4. Tips to start making physical activity part of your
everyday life
"When people think of physical activity, the word physical comes to mind first... but there is a mind-body connection and the
mental benefits are just as important as the physical benefits."
(Kaliopi Nakitas, personal trainer)
Here are nine tips to help you build confidence in your ability to be successful in the long term:
- List why you want to be active and what you will gain - refer to this list often
- Set specific goals you can achieve
- Keep a log or diary to chart your progress and reward your accomplishments
- Find an exercise buddy to talk to and give you a nudge when you are dragging your feet
- Schedule a regular time and place - it is too easy to say you'll do it later
- Expect occasional setbacks, and get back on track as soon as you can
- Sample different activities to find something you enjoy
- Try an exercise that connects the mind and body like yoga or tai chi
- When you are feeling upset or low in energy, take a walk to boost your mood
 Staying active in winter...
Look for ways to be active. Taking the stairs, parking at the far end of the parking lot and walking to the corner store are small
steps that add up. It will take a little effort in the beginning, but once you get in the habit of adding activity to your day, you
won't even know you are doing it.
Resolve to be active for your mind and body
When you make physical activity part of your day, especially in winter, you will have more energy, sleep better, feel calmer and cope
better with the stresses and demands of your life. Taking control of your physical health will give you a feeling of accomplishment and
a sense of confidence in handling other aspects of your life.
The new year is a good time to think about doing things differently. Take Kaliopi's advice: "Keep moving, keep doing it and you'll
feel better for it."
Subscribe to Healthlink:
- Keep abreast of the latest developments that can affect your health by subscribing
to CHN HealthLink. If you've already done so, suggest to a friend that they might be subscribe to the CHN HealthLink.
Get inspired by your screensaver:
- Download free active living photos and information as a Screensaver [3.9MB,
Windows only]. Installation info. (Alberta Centre for Active Living)
Try out these interactive tools:
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This article is the result of collaboration between the 
