Self-Help Tips: Staying active, staying healthy
Whatever your age or fitness level, maintaining an active lifestyle can help improve your mobility, boost your energy, and reduce your risk of injury during daily activities.
Here are some easy tips to help you take control of your health:
- Set realistic goals that fit your abilities. Stay motivated with your new active lifestyle by writing down your goals on a piece of paper. Put your goal sheet somewhere visible — such as on your refrigerator — to remind yourself every day of your commitment to stay active.
- Book time in your schedule. It does not take a drastic change and a lot of time to become more active. Set aside 20–30 minutes every day to exercise. If you book time in your schedule, you are more likely to follow through. Quick exercises are better than no exercises!
- Fit exercising into your lifestyle. This could be as easy as taking a walk for 15 minutes over lunch or doing chair exercises while watching your favourite show on television. If you are able, skip the elevator and take the stairs.
- Consult your family doctor who can be a great resource to what exercises are appropriate for you. Always consult with a health professional and be aware of your physical health before beginning an exercise program.
If you are consistent with your active goals, you are on your way to becoming a healthier new you!
Kick-start your active lifestyle with St. John's Rehab's Active Living Program: an eight-week, full-body exercise program. Our innovative exercises can be adapted to anyone’s abilities or goals.
These self-help tips are not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a health professional.