Physical Activity Can Bring About Positive Impacts to Your Mood in Big or Small Doses
Moving your body is good for your mind. It can lead to increased feelings of happiness, decreased negative emotions, improve sleep, and increase your mental alertness. However, taking your first steps to getting active can be difficult.
The good news is that starting small makes a big difference. Studies suggest that getting 30 minutes of physical activity three to five times a week can positively impact on your mood. The best past is that the 30 minutes can be broken up into three 10-minute chunks and still positively impact your mood.
The 30 minutes of activity doesn’t have to be high-intensity either. While some studies suggest that increased intensity can lead to greater mental health benefits, low-intensity activity still can give your mood a boost. This means that doing slow and steady activity, like riding a bike around town or going for a walk, can help you feel better too.
If you’re in a pinch or don’t know how to build physical activity into your day, consider doing the easiest thing possible: take a walk! Western has a beautiful campus, so taking an extended walk between classes or while studying is an easy way to get some movement in your day. The only thing you need is a little time, and the payoff for your mood could be better than you expect.
Sources:
- Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a. PMID: 16862239; PMCID: PMC1470658.
- DeAngelis, T. (2022, November 1). Want to boost your mental health? Take a walk. Monitor on Psychology, 53(8). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/defeating-depression-naturally
- https://www.instagram.com/p/C3vyOxsSM6m/?hl=en
- https://paradigmofperfection.com/2023/11/12/liss-is-it-useful/
Posted: November 20, 2024. Part of the Fitness & Wellness Wednesdays Series 2024-25. Video was filmed while facility was closed.
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