As we prepare for the holiday season or during other busy periods in our lives, it’s common to feel stressed. Stress can come from social or work commitments, food indulgences or financial strain. Exercise is an excellent way to show ourselves self-care, reduce stress levels, and support our immune systems. Even light exercise can offer major benefits.

The best health care system in the world will only get you so far when it comes to enjoying a long and healthy life. Self-care, including physical activity, is key.  One of the most important decisions affecting your health is how physically active you are.

Regular physical activity offers many benefits. It reduces the risk of developing more than 30 major health problems such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cancer, and diabetes.  It also promotes better mental health and resilience. It helps improve mood and lessens anxiety and stress. For some people, regular exercise can be as effective as medication in the treatment of moderate depression.

Small decisions can have major impacts over a lifetime. If you spend your day working at a computer, try enjoying a regular “exercise snack.” These are short breaks in your day when you get up and enjoy some physical activity.  This could include walking around the office, going up and down the stairs or walking somewhere to make a delivery. Try taking advantage of the CAF’s fitness facilities for a workout whenever possible. You may find it very helpful to block a specific time in your calendar to go to the gym or engage in other physical activities.

Commuting by car is stressful for many. Are there ways you can include more active transportation in your routine, such as biking or walking? If this isn’t an option, try parking farther from your destination. In the evening, consider walking with family, friends, or a pet.

Physically active self-care includes using strategies to reduce your chances of getting injured. Even with the risk of injury, the total positive impact of being physically active is tremendous.

Taking better care of yourself will benefit you and those around you. The STF program can help you make this happen.  Explore what your local STF-PSP health promotion delivery office has to offer by giving them a call, visiting their office, or browsing the many health tips offered through The Maple Leaf by searching “Strengthening the Forces.” You can also explore CAF fitness, clubs, and sports offerings. Making mindful choices to maintain and improve your health will pay back big dividends in terms of mental, physical, and emotional well-being – you are worth it.

Dr. Darrell Menard OMM MD, Dip Sport Med

Dr. Menard is the Surgeon General’s specialist advisor in sports medicine. Strengthening the Forces is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program providing expert information, guidance, training, tools and leadership support to improve CAF members’ health and well-being. #STF

Strengthening the Forces is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program providing expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to improve CAF members’ health and well-being.