The sun is slowly setting and I am listening to Shofar music. I am contemplating what to share with you today for this week’s post. I’ve thought about letting you know that May in National Physical Fitness and Sports month, that’s what I had written for this month’s writing prompt. However, that was before the universe shifted and we became bombarded by online workouts using Zoom and other platforms. After thinking it through a little bit, I’ve decided that this topic is still important because if you are anything like me, you have been indulging in more snacking in the last two months and you can use a wake up call about your health.”Physical activity, along with proper nutrition, is beneficial to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. And it is important that everyone gets active: over the last 20 years, there’s been a significant increase in obesity in the United States. About one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents (aged 2-19 years) are obese.”1
Being physically active is a protective factor. Protective factors are the conditions that we live in, the resources, strengths, or coping strategies we develop to effectively deal with stressful situations in our lives. Exercise has long-term health benefits and it improves mental wellness such as decreasing the potential for depression and improving your mood. Goodness knows we can all use some healthy mood enhancing, especially now.
Movement is still important, even as we shelter in place so I will share this tweetable statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It’s National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! While you #StayAtHome, there are still a lot of activities you can do: work out with an online video, go for a walk, take a bike ride, or dance to your favorite playlist. Whatever inspires you to #GetActive. Just have fun! #MoveInMay 