Part 5: Be Physically Active

Mental Health

Emotional Health

Exercise releases endorphins and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These brain chemicals help create feelings of happiness and euphoria. You may start to feel these benefits after just a few minutes of moderate exercise. This leads to a quick happiness buzz and an overall mood boost!

 

Stress Management

Norepinephrine is a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. Exercise helps to increase that chemical. Exercise can decrease worry and tension. It also enhances the mind’s ability to deal with daily stressors. Managing stress can reduce emotional eating and cravings for sweets and high-fat foods. The calming effect of exercise can last at least four hours after the exercise is over.

 

View physical activity as a break from your day. Use this time to focus on the present, instead of past or future problems and worries.

 

Connect to My Values:

Example: Having good emotional health will help me enjoy what I am doing in the moment. Enjoying life’s pleasures, such as the beauty of fall colors, is important to me.

Cardio Training

Resistance Training

Stretching & Rehabilitation

Yoga

Massage

Avoid Injury

Appreciate the Journey

Set Fitness Goals

Plan Physical Activity

Tackle Limitations

Injury and Disability

Manage Your Time

Set Up for Success

What Are You Waiting For?

Responsibility for Change

Create "If, Then" Plans

Exercise and Eating

Eating and Body Image

How Do You View Your Body?

Identify Disordered Eating

Review and Prepare

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