Recent comprehensive reviews continue to highlight the important role physical activity has on health, including mental health, across all age groups and abilities, regardless of health status or starting point. These mental benefits can range from feeling better and improved self-esteem to reduced anxiety and depression. Physical fitness does not just lead to looking better, being fitter, or slimmer. It can lead to better sleep, better focus, and a better overall sense of wellbeing. Ultimately, we may look better as a result of physical activity but its how we feel that will make a difference in how we are. And the ultimate goal should be about feeling good rather than looking good.

The importance of good mental health (including social and emotional aspects of health) has increasingly become recognized as the grounding mechanism in which to achieve a long, happy life. And research has emphasized that all types of exercise (mild, moderate, or intense) are associated with lessening the mental health burden.

” Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”

Walt Whitman

Benefits of getting outside for health

Studies have long reported on the benefits of getting outside. Walking outside, for instance, can maintain or lead to improved mobility as we age. In youth, getting outside has been linked to being connected to the environment and good health. And even better, getting outside on a daily basis can drastically improve mental wellbeing, including decreasing stress levels and improving concentration (think lunchtime walks). Just short amounts – 10 minutes – of exercise can lead to increased oxygen uptake, better cardiovascular fitness, and better overall health.

We have 24 hours in a day, knowing that just a few minutes can make a difference, we can all do this.