People who exercise tend to be more resistant to many mental illnesses
- Can help treat current symptoms
- Can help prevent future episodes
Exercise plan does not need to be difficult. Even 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week can be beneficial!
Think of exercise like a bank:
- Can’t do 30 minutes a day at once
- Try doing smaller times of movement and keep track!
Example: 10 minute walk in the morning, running a few flights of stairs in Hyde for 3 minutes between classes, lunges in your room for 3 minutes, carrying your groceries from the Ice Arena parking lot, etc
Exercise Tips
- Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms
- Even as little as 10 to 15 minutes of exercise at a time may make a difference.
- Identify an activity you enjoy doing (e.g. hiking, basketball, skiing, swimming)
- Recreation Activities in the HUB can be a great resource!
- Set reasonable goals
- Consider exercising with others
Help you get started
- Need to make a phone call? Walk and Talk in a safe area
- Do an activity you enjoy and it won’t be a chore
- Get an exercise partner to hold you accountable
- Skip the elevator and take the stairs
- Park at the back of the parking lot and walk
- Head outside for 10 minutes during lunch