3 ways exercise benefits our well-being

COVID-19 has prompted many of us to become more aware of our health and well-being. Even if being physically active is a habit you have yet to develop, now is the perfect opportunity to give it a try! Exercise has numerous benefits that can help keep us healthy during this time. It also has the ability to affect much more than just our physical health; exercise can actually help us in managing our stress, too.

Exercise can benefit each area of our well-being, including:

• Mentally. When we're up and moving, our brain experiences a boost in dopamine and serotonin levels which can enhance our ability to focus. Exercise can also reduce the risk of developing depression or anxiety. It can help our minds rest more and let us sleep better. Physical activity can reduce feelings of stress and enhance our mood. It can increase our energy levels. More oxygen and nutrients are carried to our muscles when we workout, which leaves us feeling alert and much more energized! Exercising outdoors has been show to boost our mood even more.
• Socially. It's good to find a workout partner to hold us accountable or provide that extra bit of motivation. It can help provide us with a sense of community, though right now that may look a little different. If you have kids at home, let them become your workout partners—it will help keep them active as well. If you don't have kids at home, find a friend who is working out each day and keep in contact with them.
• Physically. Regular exercise can help cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, which helps ensure we will be able to stay active as we age.