Doing these 5 things to get my body moving changed everything! The added bonus is that exercise strengthens your immune system!
1-Start with walking- even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes. Walking is a great way to improve your heart health, decrease your sweet tooth, and help you sleep better.
2-Make moving a routine- If you tack it on to something you already do it will become a habit. For example, walking daily after dinner will become automatic.
3-Track your steps- Seeing small progress and wins will increase your innate urge to do better and as a result, will subconsciously lead to making better decisions ( like parking farther from the store or taking the stairs instead of an elevator).
4-Find an accountability partner or even a walking buddy who will hold you accountable for getting your steps in.
5-Listen to a fun book or podcast- this is my favorite tip! Having something to look forward to is invaluable when it comes to motivation.
What would you add to the list?
If you still aren’t convinced exercise can increase you immune system…
Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Boosting your immune system will make you less susceptible to illnesses. Here are several ways in which regular physical activity can keep you healthy:
- 1.Improves Immune Cells Performance–Immune system cells attack and eliminate harmful germs to keep you healthy. There are many different types of white blood cells and each has a specific job and plays an important role in fighting the pathogens that enter your body. Exercise improves these cells to work harder.
- 2. Weight Management–Physical activity helps control your weight by using excess calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. By burning calories through exercise, you can achieve or maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer.
- 3. Lowers Stress and Anxiety Mental Health–Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. It also improves sleep, reduces stress, and increases self-esteem.
- 4. Improved Sleep–Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just be cautious about exercising too close to bedtime, which might be stimulating and interfere with your sleep.
Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine doesn’t have to be daunting. Even small amounts of exercise, like a daily walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can make a significant difference in your health. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and can sustain over the long term.