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Physical Activity is a High Priority Basic Need
- Our bodies are wired to move like hunters and gatherers who had to move long distances to find their food and supplies. We’re not wired to be sitting and laying around for long periods of time. This is one reason why our current sedentary lifestyles contribute to physical and mental health problems.
- The American Heart Association’s (2021), public health guidelines recommend
- 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-physical activity for 6-17-year-olds and
- 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or
- 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both spread throughout the week for adults
- Regular physical activity
- Enhances physical and mental health, functioning, and longevity, and reduces risks of chronic physical and mental health conditions.
- Enhances cognitive functioning, mood, quality of life, self-concept, self-efficacy
- Reduces stress, depression, and anxiety
- Noetel and colleagues (2024) recently conducted a meta-analysis of 218 studies with over 14,000 participants and found exercise including, walking, yoga, jogging, and strength training are as effective at treating depression as psychotherapy and antidepressants. More intense exercise worked best.
Things to Consider
Starting with easy movement is the simplest way to train your body to move. That can be
- Walking
- Jogging
- Yoga or Stretching
- Lifting light weights
Play also works!
- Dancing
- Jumping
- Swimming
- Sports
As we get used to moving, our body will become fitter and stronger. As we become fitter and stronger, we can increase our intensity and weights for strength training.
The more we include physical activity in our daily routine the more our body craves it. When we initially get started, it feels hard to do, but as our body adapts it feels harder not to do it. Physical fitness increases our resilience against stress and illness. Prioritizing our physical fitness is a primary way to tap into our optimal performance and thriving in life, work, school, and relationships.