Now that the new year is in full swing, it can be hard to make time for physical activity. With after school activities, adjusting schedules, and making new friends, it can be tempting to curl up on the couch after a long day. But moving your body doesn’t have to be a chore! The important thing is to add small activities into your day and have fun doing it!
While at least 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended, you don’t need to do all 30 minutes at once. Studies have shown three 10 minute daily exercise bouts to have similar or better results
Physical activity can improve your mood, help with sleep and is generally all around good for you! Here are a few ways to add activity into your back to school routine.
- Take a 10-15 minute walk after mealtime. Whenever you can, bring a neighbor, family member, pet or new friend!
- Have a mini dance party during commercial breaks when watching TV shows. See how many songs you can fit into an evening.
- Make unloading groceries a relay race. Putting away bags quickly and safely has never been so fun. Remember, many hands make light work!
- Start the day off right with morning stretches or light yoga. It’s important to make sure to stretch before exercise but also to check in with your body and see how it’s feeling.
- Make sure to stay active on the weekends! Ride a bike or skateboard, play a new sport, go for a jog, anything to make the most of your free time! Try picking a park you have never visited before. Check out your county’s Physical Activity Resource Guide to find your next local hangout spot!
So what are you waiting for? No matter what time of the year, it’s a great time to schedule physical activity and reconnect with your loved ones.
