Physical activity and mental health

Abstract

Physical activity improves health and well-being. It reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain and achieve a healthy body weight and it improves your outlook on life. Research shows that physical inactivity can cause premature death, chronic disease and disability. Health Canada encourages Canadians to integrate physical activity into their everyday life; at home, at school, at work, at play and on the way ... that's active living. The World Health Organization describes mental health in a positive sense, as follows: Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement, produced by skeletal muscles, that requires energy. This includes activities undertaken while working, playing, carrying out household chores, travelling and engaging in recreational pursuits. There are massive ranges of physical activities you can do including: Walking, Jogging, Swimming, Tennis, Dancing, Yoga, Gym Workouts, Aerobics, Weight Training, Playing Team Sports such as Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton and so on.