What’s good for your mind and body is good for your heart. That’s why the American Heart Association and Capital Region Heart Walk sponsor Rite Aid Foundation are sharing simple resources to help nourish your mind, heart and body with science you can trust and tools you can use. Let’s create healthy habits that stick!
Join us today — and get healthy for good. Here are the facts:
We’re sitting too much. One in 4 U.S. adults sit for longer than eight hours each day, which can hurt your physical and mental health.
Physical activity is a powerful tool — and a mood booster. It also helps us reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity a day is linked to lower risk of diseases, improved mental health and lower risk of depression.
Staying active can help you feel, think, sleep and live better. Studies show that higher fitness levels are linked to better attention, learning, working memory and problem solving. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity can also curb depression. And you may just live longer!
Let’s get started! Stand, stretch, walk, dance … do whatever gets you moving! Here are a few tips:
Start small. Any movement is better than none, and more is better! Start out with just five minutes of movement and build from there or split it up throughout the day.
Step outside — and keep stepping. It’s a great way to get moving and take in some sunlight, which can improve mood, boost immunity and help you get some vitamin D.
Put a leash on it. If you have a pet, get moving together! Exercise is a win-win for both of you.
Commit to being fit. Schedule time throughout the day to move. Set a reminder on your calendar, phone or journal.
Let us help. Choose from one of the American Heart Association’s Fierce 5-minute movement break videos for inspiration.
Thank you to Rite Aid Foundation for their support of the Capital Region Heart Walk and our Move More Month campaign. For more ideas, check out our Move More Daily Challenges infographic below and visit heart.org/movemore.