The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“Autumn is the season of change.”
-Chinese proverb
Fall starts a new season as well as an opportunity for new beginnings. This month, this column is taking a look at ways to start afresh this new season by adding healthy habits to your regular schedule. With the help of the Mayo Clinic, the following are Tips 4-7 of the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity. Incorporate these tips in your daily routine as you enter #ANewSeason:
Mayo Clinic’s tip #4: Exercise boosts energy.
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.
Mayo Clinic’s tip #5: Exercise promotes better sleep.
Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to hit the hay.
Mayo Clinic’s Tip #6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life.
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and physical appearance, which may boost your sex life.
But there’s even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise.
Mayo Clinic’s tip #7: Exercise can be fun…and social!
Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting.
So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. Bored? Try something new, or do something with friends.
Beloved, according to the Mayo Clinic, the bottom line on exercise is exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost your health and have fun. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.
Next Week: Continuation
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
