The Short-Term Benefits of Exercise

The Short-Term Benefits of Physical Activity:

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly sedentary. We use cars instead of walking or cycling; we use lifts and escalators instead of climbing the stairs; we spend more and more hours in front of the TV and computer, watching Netflix or playing computer games. Yet, physical activity is one of the best things you can do each day for your health.

I would like to explore the many varied benefits of physical activity, both in the short term and, next week, in the long term.

Incorporating Physical Activity Into Day-to-Day Life

To start with, at least, physical activity doesn’t need to be in the shape of a formal exercise regimen. There are lots of different ways you can move more each day, all of which will benefit your health.

Consider walking or cycling rather than using a car, especially for short trips. Get off the bus or train a stop early and walk the rest of the way home.

Instead of using a computer or machine, let your body do the work–beat those eggs with a hand whisk instead of the electric beaters; use the push mower in place of the ride-on, or take the stairs and not the escalator. There are so many chances each day for us to move more and make our lives less sedentary…then when you’re ready to step it up, you can begin with more formal exercise…joining the local gym; playing on that netball team or cycling to work every day. When choosing a form of exercise, try to make it one that you will enjoy. This will help to keep you motivated and more likely to succeed.

Benefits to Mental Health:

When we exercise, the brain releases endorphins. Endorphins improve our mental wellbeing and contribute towards positive feelings. Exercise itself can also act as a distraction from any worries or anxiety, and help us to think things over more clearly. Aside from that, exercise can help to improve our self-worth and self-image, which is a big factor in overall mental health and confidence.

Exercise can see an improvement in mental sharpness and clarity, helping us to better focus and concentrate throughout the day. It can also help with both long and short term memory.

Increase in Energy Levels:

It might sound a little oxymoronic, but exercising can help you feel more energised. In the short term, you may feel tired (perhaps even completely exhausted!) after an exercise session. However, exercise increases blood flow around the body, the blood will absorb more oxygen, and you will feel more energised for the rest of the day.

Better Sleep:

According to research, physical activity helps the brain to better rejuvenate and repair itself. This is thought to be due to the increase of deep sleep we get after exercising. This, in turn, can help us to feel more alert, relaxed and well-rested the following day. The benefits of exercise don’t simply stop when we finish our workout!

Helps to Control Blood Sugar Levels:

In both the short term and long term, exercise has a positive impact upon blood sugar levels. Exercise causes your heartbeat and breathing to increase. This leads to the muscles using more glucose. This can lower blood sugar levels and make your body’s insulin work more effectively.

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even by taking the opportunities that come our way each day to move a little more and a little faster, we can make a big impact upon our health.

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