Posted 20th October 2020

Keep on moving!

It can be difficult to find motivation to exercise when it’s too hot or too cold outside. But as humans we are designed to be on the move, and we can get sick if we’re sitting still for too long.

Exercise has many benefits, not only for your physical health but also your mental health.

Even if you’re feeling okay to begin with, research shows that exercise still helps boost your mood.

In your brain, exercise stimulates chemicals that improve your mood and the parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

It also pumps blood to the brain, which can help you to think more clearly.

Exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory.

It also increases the connections between the nerve cells in the brain. This also improves your memory and helps protect your brain against injury and disease.

Australian guidelines recommend adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical activity on most or all days of the week. You can make up 30 minutes over the day by combining shorter 10 to 15 minute sessions, such as going for a walk or doing yoga.

The recommended daily step goal for healthy adults is 10,000 steps. So, put on a pedometer and see how many steps you do! Make every step count by choosing to move more across the day. Even if you are not reaching 10,000 steps per day, you may be surprised at how many steps you already do, and how easy it is to add more.

There isn’t one particular exercise we all need to do, and some of us will have limitations due to medical conditions. You can speak with your doctor or pharmacist about this for ideas to suit your needs.

We’re here to help you keep healthy and moving!