Hey, everyone! Work has been weighing heavily on my mind lately, but this past weekend I had the opportunity to get away, shut off devices and spend of time with my daughter at “Dads Camp”, where the weekend was full of activities that tested us mentally and physically. I came away refreshed, rejuvenated and had better perspective on what was important than I did going in. As a result, I thought that I’d go ahead and share my thoughts and tips on living a healthy and happy life. A big part of that is regular exercise.
Physical Health
Why is regular exercise so important? There are many reasons, but first and foremost, exercise is good for your physical health. It can help you prevent or manage various chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and strengthen your bones and muscles.
Mental Health
Secondly, exercise is good for your mental health. It can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your self-esteem and confidence. It can also help you sleep better, which is essential for your overall well-being. Exercise can also stimulate your brain and enhance your memory and cognitive functions. There were a variety of activities this weekend. Rock climbing, archery, swimming, flying foxes (zip lining for you Americans! :wink:)…all these activities require you to be in the moment. Your brain has no time to stray towards work, stress, or other things that might otherwise be occupying headspace.
Social Health
Thirdly, exercise is good for your social health. It can help you connect with other people who share your interests and goals. It can also provide you with opportunities to make new friends, join a community, or support a cause. Exercise can also help you develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. I met a lot of other dads this weekend. There’s often a stigma around mental and social health amongst males. As we gathered around the campfire on Saturday night, we talked, laughed, and otherwise discussed topics that we may not have had the opportunity to talk about in our regular routine. It was a nice break, and a great way to connect with each other.
So how much do you really need?
Regular exercise has many benefits for your health and happiness. But how much exercise do you need? Well, that depends on your age, fitness level, and personal preferences. But generally speaking, the World Health Organization recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or a combination of both. You should also do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
Of course, you don’t have to do all your exercise in one go. You can break it up into smaller sessions throughout the day, as long as they are at least 10 minutes long. You can also choose activities that you enjoy and that suit your lifestyle. For example, you can walk, jog, bike, swim, dance, play sports, or join a fitness class. The important thing is to find something that you like and that motivates you to keep going.
So what are you waiting for? Start exercising today and enjoy the benefits of a healthier and happier life.
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