Brooke Curran, shown after completing the Antarctica Marathon, raises money for children’s charities through The RunningBrooke Fund. Photo contributed
Did you know even a short burst of exercise can not only boost your mood, but it helps activate your brain, too? It’s true. Exercise not only keeps our bodies healthy, it helps our brains work better, reduces stress and fights depression. That’s a powerful combination.
We see impressive results when kids in classrooms and programs around Alexandria participate in the Move2Learn program. When we fit exercise into their day, the kids not only feel better, they learn better, too.
Even just a few minutes of heart-pumping exercise can have tremendous benefits. Especially during these winter months when our activity level can slow down and we’re often indoors, it’s important to get our heart rates up.
It is easier than you think to fit a few minutes of movement into your day. Here are five easy ways to help keep you and your family active this winter.
Feeling frustrated? Take a mini-break and do 25 jumping jacks.
Young kids? How about a quick game of follow the leader? Start with a march in place.
Did someone say they’re bored? Put on your favorite upbeat song and dance.
Build some strength and get your heart rate up with a quick set of 10 pushups and 10 squats.
Multitask — take your dog and kids outside and play a quick game of chase.
Remember, even just a few minutes of exercise can get your brain fired up, your heart pumping and lift your mood. So, grab your loved ones, pull your kids off the sofa and get moving.
For more information about the benefits of exercise and brain health, and how Alexandria’s kids are benefiting from moving in the classroom, visit www.runningbrooke.org.