Information Resources
By Evelyn Cunico, MA, MS/LIS
Health Science Communications
Posted January 19, 2022
Boost Your Mood with Physical Exercise
Physical exercise can improve your mood and your overall mental health. During exercise, your body releases chemicals that can make you feel more relaxed and help you to deal more effectively with stress, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic has limited group physical activity. However, there are still many alternative choices for staying physically active.
Following are five tips on how you can make exercise a part of your regular routine.
Make everyday activities more active. Take the stairs, instead of the elevator. Park further away from your destination. Wash the car yourself. Start a small outdoor garden.
Be active with friends and family. Having a walking partner may make you more likely to enjoy exercise.
Keep track of your progress. Keeping a log of your activity or using a fitness tracker may help you to set goals and to stay motivated.
Make exercise more fun. Listen to music while you exercise. Try doing a combination of different types of music and exercise.
Discover types of exercise that you can do even when the weather is bad. You can do stretching or simple yoga exercises or follow along with exercise videos.
For more information, please see the following Selected Information Resources.
Disclaimer: Information in this blog should not replace the medical advice of your medical doctor. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any disease or other health condition without first consulting with your medical doctor or other healthcare provider.
Selected Information Resources
Kaur H, Singh T, Arva YK, Mittal S. Physical Fitness and Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Enquiry. Frontiers in Psychology. 2020; 11: 590172. PMCID: PMC7673425
Summary Note: Research study shows that physical exercise at home during COVID-19 pandemic helped 22 adults to overcome health concerns and to boost positive motivation. Scroll down the study text to browse comments from study participants.
(Accessed 2022 January 18)
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Healthy Lifestyle. Fitness.
Summary Note: Discusses aerobic activity and strength training approaches based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, second edition.
(Accessed 2022 January 17)
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Benefits of Exercise.
Summary Note: Lists 12 health benefits of exercise and describes how you can make exercise part of your regular routine.
(Accessed 2022 January 16)
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nutrition dot gov. Exercise and Fitness.
Summary Note: View sample exercise routines and videos from State Extension Services and University Extension Services. Start slow and talk with your medical doctor.
(Accessed 2022 January 16)
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