Get active and feel good

There is a huge amount of research and evidence that proves being physically active is essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

There are many medical benefits to being physically active. For example:

  • up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke

  • up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes

  • up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer

  • up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer

  • a 30% lower risk of early death

Exercise and mental health

Being physically active is good for your mental health. Research shows exercise releases natural chemicals in your brain that improve your mood and make you feel happier.

Taking part in physical activities offers many opportunities. It’s a great way to meet people, increase your self-worth and improve your confidence.

Other benefits include:

  • less tension, stress and mental fatigue

  • a natural energy boost

  • improved sleep

  • a sense of achievement

  • focus in life and motivation

  • less anger or frustration

  • a healthy appetite

  • better social life

What kind of activities do I need to do?

Being physically active does not mean we have to sign up to the gym or go jogging. There are lots of ways to be active – and they don’t need to cost much money.

You should aim to do 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. Moderate exercise means, when exercising we should find ourselves breathing heavier than normal, increasing our heart rate and feeling warmer.

Activities can include: walking briskly (health walks), swimming, dancing (Zumba), outdoor games (cricket, light football) or digging in the garden.

For more information contact Somshun Nessa: 07960 084 119,

somshun.nessa@soarcommunity.org.uk

Sponsored by NHS Sheffield’s Healthy Communities Programme

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The content on this page was added to the website by John Mellor on 2013-03-22 14:35:06.
The content of the page was last modified by Douglas Johnson on 2013-03-24 22:00:58.

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