Tips to be Physically Active and Tips to Reduce your Stress

Tips to be Physically Active

• Go slow and work up gradually if you're just starting out. Walking 5-10 minutes every day is a good place to start.
• Make sure you have an action plan for each season, so the weather doesn't get in the way.
• Have fun – play with your kids or dance to your favourite music.
• Bike or walk to work, the corner store, bank or post office.
• Climb the stairs instead of taking the escalator or elevator.
• Get off the bus a stop earlier and walk to work and home.
• Make appointments for walking meetings with your co-workers.
• Take the kids to school on foot.
• Park the car further away from your destination.

Tips to Reduce your Stress

• Identify the source of your stress. Figure out what is really bothering you.
• Be physically active – it can be a great stress-buster.
• Share your feelings. Talking to friends, family or co-workers can help you feel better.
• Take time for yourself. In trying to meet everyone else's needs, don't short change yourself.
• Make time to laugh – it's the body's natural stress-release mechanism.
• Eat well. Don't skip meals, and leave the office to eat it if you can. Go for a walk at lunch time.
• Take your vacations. Getting away from it all is important to your mental and physical health.

These ideas were adapted from an advertisement created by General Mills.

Physical activity is THE best form of stress relief out there. When we are less stressed, our eating becomes more controlled and we make better choices. We also tend to decrease cravings and increase energy. With our busy lives, exercise sometimes feels like a mountain not worth climbing; however, incorporating even tiny bursts of activity through the day can start to make a difference. Challenge yourself to add in some wall push-ups or a 5 minute walk today. If you can accomplish that every day this week, what could you add next week? Building a base is essential - you will feel stronger and stronger as time goes on. It's not easy, and it takes mental & physical effort to make long-term changes, but I know you can do it. Hang in there. Never give up!

Dr. Doug