Getting physically active is important for a strong, healthy body and just as important for a strong, healthy mind.
Regular physical exercise can increase endorphins in the brain which help lift your mood and make you feel good.
Research has shown that for some people physical exercise can be just as good as medication for mild depression and anxiety. And you don’t have to pay for a gym membership to be active. Getting active could involve anything from walking around the block to dancing the night away.
We know it’s not easy to get the motivation up to exercise, to make it a regular part of your everyday routine. The good news is that the better you stick to the habit, the easier it will become.
Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. You don’t need to do it all at once – you could get moving for 10 minutes three times a day. You could also start small, at 10 minutes per day.
Try joining a sports team, dance troop, waka ama, polyfest group, or kapa haka. Or if more casual is your thing, hang out at the beach or pools, skateboard, or save your busfare and walk a few stops.
Get your mates involved and motivate each other. Remember, even small increase in activity can improve your health and wellbeing. Every bit counts.
