Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's time to dust off those sneakers and get outside!
Physical activity is a very important part of your overall wellness and it isn't just about lifting weights at the gym or running drills at practice, there are many different ways to be active outside this spring!
Betterhealth.gov suggests aiming for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. But what defines physical activity? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (
NHLBI) summarizes physical activity as "any body movement that works your muscles and requires more energy than resting." The NHLBI categorizes physical activity into four main types:
aerobic, muscle-strengthening, bone-strengthening, and stretching.
The spring is all about the start of something fresh and new, so why not make this the perfect time to get outside and start moving?! Not every physical activity you do has to be high intensity. A short walk around your neighborhood after dinner or throwing a ball outside with your pet after school or work are great ways to start incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. And when you're outside, not only are you being active, but you are also breathing in the benefits of some fresh air!
Here in the School Counseling Center and the Student Health Office, we love to motivate each other through step challenges and hourly step goals, but here are some other ways we like to be active outside...
Mrs. Towne likes to walk to a park near her house and toss a Frisbee with her husband. She also loves to walk to her favorite cafe and read on their outside patio.
Mrs. Hefez just got a new puppy, so she has been enjoying taking him for walks and playing with him outside. She also likes to play games with her nephews outside...it's great to get them out of the house!
Mrs. Fagan enjoys going for long hikes on the weekends and she takes her dog for walks every evening. She also loves to garden and can't wait until she has fresh vegetables right in her backyard!
Ms. Pittsley also has two puppies that she likes to walk every afternoon, she likes to take bike rides and once the weather gets really warm, she loves to swim in her pool.
Mrs. Larrecey also likes to hike, garden, and travel during the warmer months.
Mrs. Gauthier also likes to walk every day, take hikes, and garden.
Mrs. Grady enjoys all activities that involve the outdoors...her favorites are walking, boating, and fishing.
While it is important to be active...it is also important to remember to wear sunscreen and bug spray when you are going to be spending time outside.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and it should be reapplied every 2 hours. The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00am and 4:00pm so if you plan on being outside during those hours, it is especially important to reapply your sunscreen and seek shade when necessary.
Take advantage of the nice weather and be well!
