Stressed out? Regularly engaging in physical activity can help

SALT LAKE CITY — Life can be stressful, but engaging in physical activity can help relieve some of that stress.

According to Kareem Abubukker, a personal trainer at Planet Fitness in Bountiful, regular physical activity can help “boost mood, improve sleep, and sharpen focus.” He said it’s a great way to take a health break from daily stressors.

The connection between physical activity and mental health

“Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, and these are your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also regulates stress hormones and improves your sleep, and that’s closely tied to your mood and overall mental health. So basically, when you move your body, you help your brain feel better,” Abubukker said.

When it comes to physical health, exercise increases your heart rate, which boosts blood flow to your brain. This helps reduce inflammation and release different brain chemicals.

Tips to help you get moving more

It helps to be active throughout your day, even if it’s not during your designated workout time.

“If you’re going to the grocery store … just park further in the back, and just having those extra steps of walking could really add up,” Abubukker said.

It’s also important to stand and stretch every 20 or so minutes because sitting for too long can lead to bad posture, which can negatively affect some muscles.

While it may seem like you need to exercise for a long period of time, Abubukker said even small amounts can have a significant impact.

“When I say small, I mean, like, 20 to 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week. That alone can boost mood and improve energy levels. But if you only have 10 minutes to walk, that could also just reset your mind on a tough day.”

The key to consistency is finding an activity you can enjoy. If you like taking walks or riding your bike around a local park, that can help with stress relief. If you’re interested in strength training, that can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Lastly, don’t feel like you need to do it all alone. Bringing people whose company you enjoy will keep you motivated, and that will be a stress reliever in itself.

Read more from the Let’s Get Moving podcast:

• Try these helpful habits to improve your physical health this spring
• Refresh your mind and body this spring with some small changes
• Allergy season is back, here’s how you can minimize those symptoms

Follow Let’s Get Moving with Maria on Facebook, Instagram, and wherever you listen to podcasts.