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5 healthy ways to get active this spring

GEHA | April 15, 2022

Even five extra minutes of activity per day can pay huge dividends.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your exercise routine. Depending on where you live and the conditions, winter months can make it a challenge to be as active as you might like. If you live in an area where it gets cold and snowy, the change to warmer temps and more sunshine is a mood booster and a great reason to reevaluate your fitness and health goals.

Here are 5 healthy ways to increase your activity level:

  1. Take a walk outside or exercise outdoors

    2. Getting active aids your physical and mental health. Activity releases "feel-good" endorphins. It helps your body work through the effects of stress by improving your cardiovascular, digestive and immune system. Walking outside has multiple benefits and helps you feel connected to your community.

  2. Spend time with friends or family outdoors

    3. Try playing an outdoor game or get outside for a spring picnic or cookout for some extra laughter and family fun.

  3. Grow a garden or do yard work

    4. Believe it or not, gardening can be a great form of exercise. Yard work activities like mowing, raking and digging increases your endurance. They keep your heart, lungs and circulatory system healthy and improve your overall fitness.

  4. Spring cleaning

    5. The ritual of spring cleaning your home can be very therapeutic and is also a sneaky way to get a workout. Try tackling one room at a time and declutter old papers, magazines and clothes that you no longer use.

  5. Exercise programs

    6. If you need an extra incentive to get moving, try tapping into GEHA's Connection Fitness powered by Active&Fit Direct™ program. All GEHA medical plan members have access to more than 12,200 nationwide participating fitness centers for $28 a month (plus applicable taxes). You can take fitness classes at a local gym or use their equipment. You can also do online classes virtually from your own home.

    Finding a way to relieve your stress through healthy habits can affect your physical, emotional and mental health. If your first instinct is to sit down and watch TV, consider a new stress reliever and take note of how you feel before and after. Even five extra minutes of activity per day can pay huge dividends toward your overall well-being. Gradually increase your activity level daily, and you'll soon recognize that you're feeling better!

    This spring, stay active! Find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily activities. Whether you're working in your garden or taking an easy trek on your local hiking trail, staying active is important. As always, safety is key. If you have a chronic condition, an injury or balance issues, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.

Source:
“Spring into fitness.” silversneakers.com, 26 March, 2021.

These benefits are neither offered nor guaranteed under contract with the FEHB Program, but are made available to all Enrollees who become members of a GEHA medical plan and their eligible family members.