Benefits

How can being active help me?

It’s amazing how many people are unaware of how being more active can improve their everyday life. Now we’re not just talking about things like being able to run faster, swim further or be better at sport. We’re talking about real, genuine benefits that can improve your life and make you feel good.

Here are just some of the advantages to a more active lifestyle:

Have more energy

If you’re not very active at the moment, you might find everyday activities like going to work, doing the weekly shop or cleaning the house pretty tiring. If you start being active, your body will build up additional muscle and endurance that will make the everyday life easier, particularly if you’re pregnant or have a hectic work life. It should also leave you with enough energy left over to do something else you enjoy.

Lift your mood

Being active doesn’t just help the body; it’s great for the mind too. If you’re feeling a little bit down or you’ve had a stressful day at work, doing something active can be a great way to improve your mood. Being active stimulates your brain and can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

Sleep better

If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, being more active could be your way to a good night’s sleep. Being more active helps you burn off excess energy, which should make it easier for you to get to sleep quicker and easier.

Reduce stress

Almost any form of activity can act as a natural stress reliever. Being active releases things called endorphins into your blood stream, which can ease stress by making you feel happier and more relaxed. It’s also a great way to take your mind off any problems that you have. Going walking, jogging and running are famously good ways to clear your head.

Feel more confident

Doing something positive is something that you can be proud of. Going for a walk, a run or just taking the stairs instead of the lift is an achievement that can fill you with a sense of pride that makes you feel better about yourself. This adds up to improved self-esteem and real confidence boost.

Reduce the risk of future health risks

As well as the benefits that you can see and feel, being active also does a lot of good that you can’t see. For example living an active lifestyle can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke lung disease, Alzheimer’s and other serious illnesses.

Meet people and have fun with friends

It can be hard to meet new people in everyday life, joining a class or going to your local leisure or community centre is a great way to meet people like you and have fun. It can also help bring people together, so instead of watching TV with a friend or partner why not go for a walk, talk to each other and have fun?

Break from your routine

It’s all too easy to get stuck in the same old routine, and if we’re not careful it can get on top of us. Taking some time to do something active can really help to break up your day and add something different to your life.

Make life easier with long term conditions

If you have an existing condition like asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease, being more active can help to relieve your symptoms and make life easier. In some cases being active can slow the progress of your condition allowing you to feel better for longer.

Manage your weight better

If you’d like to manage your weight or lose a few pounds, you should definitely think about being more active. In combination with a healthy diet and less calories, being active can help you stay on top of your weight and make you feel better and more confident about yourself.

Give it a go today!

Now you know all the advantages of being more active, head over to our activities section or Top Tips to get active to see how you can start feeling these benefits today.