With the arrival of the coronavirus, people shut themselves inside their homes. At first, people found new things to occupy their minds. Many indulged in practicing or enhancing skills, such as cooking or gardening. Some of caught up on their reading, some spent quality time with family and others wallowed in self pity. But as time passed, isolation and financial stress gave rise to anxiety and depression. An obvious healthy way to rid yourself of these negative emotions is to exercise. So let’s get to it…
The Effect of Exercising
Everyone understands that exercising helps maintain your health. It strengthens your heart and lowers your blood pressure. It aids circulation, strengthens the immune system and makes the body more flexible. Another advantage is the improvement of cognitive function. When you get exercise daily, your brain tends to function better.
According to Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, while high-intensity exercise releases feel-good endorphins, low-intensity exercise over time promotes nerve cell growth in the part of the brain that regulates mood. Improved brain function makes you feel better, he says.
Regular physical activity can help give our days a routine and be a way to stay in contact with family and friends. It’s also good for our mental health ― reducing the risk of depression, cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia ― and improve overall feelings,” says every health organization.
Exercise Strengthens Your Immune System
Even without the threat of COVID-19, it’s a good idea to keep your immune system strong. Besides maintaining a balanced diet, daily exercising can have a positive effect on your immune system. And if you’re exercising outside, you will get the added benefit of the vitamin D your body produces with exposure to the sun. Vitamin D has been shown to improve immune system function.
Research suggests that those who are physically and mentally fit are less likely to get viral infections. Building up your immune system with exercise is something we all can do to fight off any pathogens entering our body. Exercise can help reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and various cancers ― all conditions that can increase susceptibility to COVID-19, the WHO says.
10 Wonderful Effects of Exercise:
- Promotes weight loss
- Strengthens your muscles and bones
- Increases your energy levels
- Reduces risk factors of chronic diseases
- Improves the look of your skin
- Makes you happy
- Improves your sex life
- Keeps your brain health and improve memory
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Helps with balance, which prevents falls
- Improves your sleep
Exercise is Encouraged Even in a Pandemic
Even as stay-at-home orders in most states are being lifted, officials are encouraging people to get outside to exercise. Walking, jogging, biking; just get out there and do something. Now is not a time to be afraid to do things that are good for you. It’s important for people all ages and activity levels to stay active.
Remember ― just taking a short break from sitting, by doing 3-4 minutes of light intensity physical movement, such as walking or stretching, will help ease your muscles and improve blood circulation and muscle activity.