We were made to move. When we don't, our health suffers. When we do, we thrive.
Yet many of us have adapted to a sedentary lifestyle - losing strength, flexibility and coordination through underuse. It's rarely too late to regain some of your potential at any age.
Healthy physical activity is one of my four foundations of self-care - the healthy daily practices that maintain wellness and good health; the other three foundations are healthy eating, healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
What are the benefits of physical activity? Here are my top seven. 1. Decreased risks for heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Regular physical activity is an important part of managing and improving chronic health conditions. 2. Maintenance of a healthy weight, complementing good nutrition. 3. Improved fitness of your heart, lungs and muscles. Your body becomes conditioned to function better, making everyday activities easier. 4. Reduced falls and improved brain health. When your limbs, eyes and brain are accustomed to movement, your balance, agility and ability to react improve. When blood flows better throughout your body, it also provides better circulation to your brain. A healthy body promotes a healthy brain. 5. Weight-bearing activities (including walking and hiking) help maintain bone density and reduce fracture risks. 6. Improved sleep.
Although vigorous exercise too close to bedtime may be too stimulating, activity earlier in the day can improve the quality of sleep. 7. Improved emotional well-being by decreasing stress hormones, such as cortisol and raising endorphins, our natural painkillers. Don't forget the social benefits of physical activities such as ballroom and line dancing, tai chi, walking groups, hiking, ping pong, badminton, swimming, yoga, Zumba and spin classes.
You don't have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. You don't even have to call it exercise.
We can each besgin by walking more.
As I walk through my neighbourhood, I see, smell, hear and feel so much more of the world immediately around me than when I drive. I feel closer to my community - the natural world and my neighbours. I feel more connected with my own body, as I feel each step on the ground and breathe in time with my movements. I am more in touch with my thoughts.
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician. For more on achieving your positive potential in life, see his website at davidicuswong.wordpress.com.
