Spring into Action

Some mornings, you pop right out of bed, but on other days, it seems like you can’t get moving – even by lunchtime. Sound familiar?

Sure, it’s hard sometimes. We spend a lot of time sitting for work and other activities. And you might think, “Wouldn’t exercise make a tired person more tired?” Quite the opposite!

Studies show that people who begin an exercise program experience less fatigue than those who choose to sit it out. That’s because exercise boosts oxygen circulation inside your body, allowing it to use energy more efficiently. It also releases endorphins, improves your endurance and lifts your mood.

And if you’re thinking of having another cup of coffee rather than heading to the gym, remember that while caffeine can provide a boost now, it may impact how well you sleep later. Exercise, however, can help put your insomnia to bed.

Beyond giving you energy, exercise can also heal your heart. Physical activity increases blood flow, strengthens the heart muscle and reduces “bad” cholesterol levels while increasing “good” cholesterol levels.

If you’re out of practice, remember that even stretching can help! In fact, The Journal of Physiology found that people who performed leg stretches for 30 minutes per day, five times per week, had significantly lower blood pressures and better circulation than non-stretchers.

So, jump out of bed, sleepyhead! It’s time to spring into action.

A 2023 preventative cardiology study found the overall risk of all-cause death is reduced in people who walk at least 3,967 steps per day. However, as little as 2,337 steps can lower heart disease risk. If you have difficulty committing to walks, distract yourself by downloading a podcast or a 30-minute episode of your favorite show to entertain you while on the treadmill or walking around your neighborhood.

We all get tired sometimes, especially due to illness, sleep changes, travel or new medications. However, if you’re persistently and overwhelmingly tired for longer than a few days or your fatigue interrupts your daily activities, talk to a doctor.

Many people are discussing longevity, and we’re no different. Coming up, we’ll cover how these tips can help you live a longer, healthier life.