Nurturing Mental and Emotional Wellness Series: Engaging in Physical Activity

Written By Angela Davis

Thanks for following along my blog series, Strategies for Enhancing Mental and Emotional Wellness! Each week, we’ll take a deeper dive into the strategies I recommend for enhancing mental and emotional wellness.

This week’s featured strategy in the Enhancing Mental and Emotional Wellness series includes:
Engaging in Physical Activity

Physical activity is often thought of as exercise, but it doesn’t have to be a structured activity in a gym or fitness center. Let’s dive into each of these a bit more.

Exercise & Physical Activity
Physical activity is not only beneficial for your body but also for your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

Transform the way you think about physical activity. Some people think exercise must be a structured, dedicated practice in a gym or fitness center, but in reality, physical activity can be flexible to fit into everyday life!

Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's jogging, yoga, dancing or even a daily walk, and make it a regular part of your routine. If you have a busy day, try to fit a walking meeting in at work or during a child’s practice. The key is to fit in some form of physical activity to get your endorphins going!

Outdoor Activities
Spending time in nature can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress. Combine that with the endorphins released during physical activity, and you have a winning combination!

Consider physical activities like hiking, gardening or simply enjoying a park.



Resources:
Here are some resources I recommend for engaging in physical activity:
Apps:

  • Baritastic: Tracks diet, exercise, weight, BMI, measurements, vitamins, water and goals. This is specifically designed for post- and pre-bariatric-surgery patients.

  • MyFitnessPal: Tracks diet and exercise, helping you set and reach fitness goals.

YouTube Channels:

  • Yoga with Adriene: Yoga practices for all levels and needs.

  • Fitness Blender: Free workout videos ranging from cardio to strength training.

 

Conclusion
Mental and emotional wellness is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing effort and commitment. By incorporating mindfulness, physical activity, healthy relationships, self-care, a positive mindset, and professional support into your life, you can build a strong foundation for emotional resilience and well-being. Remember, it's okay to seek help and take things one step at a time. Embrace the journey towards a healthier, more balanced you, and celebrate each step forward.

 

Check out the full series!
This post is just one of the Nurturing Mental and Emotional Wellness Series. Be sure to check out in-depth strategies for the whole series:

- Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation

- Fostering Healthy Relationships (stay tuned; coming soon!)

- Developing a Self-Care Routine (stay tuned; coming soon!)

- Cultivating a Positive Mindset (stay tuned; coming soon!)

- Seeking Professional Help When Needed (stay tuned; coming soon!)

- Building a Personalized Wellness Plan (stay tuned; coming soon!)

Angela Davis
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Nurturing Mental and Emotional Wellness Series: Fostering Healthy Relationships
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Nurturing Mental and Emotional Wellness Series: Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation