MOVE! EXERCISE FREQUENTLY

Physical Exercise: The Great Ally of Mental Health

Physical exercise not only improves your brain to make it "smarter," but also allows you to have a better mood. We know that physical exercise decreases our risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but it also decreases our risk of developing depression and can help reduce symptoms of burnout, stress, and anxiety.

Really any type of exercise (cardio, yoga, or strength training) helps improve mental wellbeing, so it's your choice. The one you enjoy the most. When it comes to the mind, what's important is that we're moving our body, not the specific type of physical exercise we're doing.

Regarding how much is needed to obtain the mental benefits of exercise, at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., walking, dancing, even gardening) or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity (e.g., running, swimming, or tennis) is recommended, preferably spread throughout the week. However, other research points to walking approximately one hour a day. But as the old saying goes, "anything is better than nothing."

With this, we want to motivate you to incorporate movement into your life. Its importance is vital. Your mind will be happily rewarded and endorphins will do their part, when you feel full of energy and with a big smile to achieve the day's goals.