Let’s put one foot in front of the other

The benefits of staying active during challenging times

Our lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks with the arrival of COVID-19 in our communities. While the list of things we can’t do keeps growing, our Kintec team is working hard to focus on what we can do to support you—and on what we do best: helping you stay active on your feet, for life. 

The benefits of staying active during challenging times

Exercise to relax 

• While exercising may seem like the opposite of relaxing—especially if you’re new to it, it can actually reduce stress and help you feel better. 
• Exercise helps your mood by stimulating the production of endorphins, chemicals in your brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins are responsible for the feelings of relaxation and optimism that can follow a good walk, run or workout. 
• Even a simple 20-minute stroll can clear the mind and reduce stress. 

Feel better and more in control 

• Exercise increases strength and stamina, which can increase your sense of self-confidence and improve your outlook on life. 
• Regular exercise can also improve sleep, which in turn helps maintain higher energy levels that help you be productive in other aspects of your life. 

Give yourself a mental break 

• The new requirement for social distancing during the epidemic (maintaining 2 metres or 6 feet between one another when outside our homes), can actually give us an opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy some solitude.  
• When your body is busy mastering a new exercise or navigating a new route or trail, your mind will get a break from current stressors. 

• If you need help managing anxiety around COVID-19, please visit Fraser Health for helpful information and resources. 

Boost your immune system 

• A 2017 study* found that as little as one 20-minute session of moderate exercise, such as a brisk walk, can stimulate the immune system, producing an anti-inflammatory cellular response. 

Let’s start today 

For all of you who exercise regularly, we say: keep on keeping on. For everyone else, we encourage you to stay healthy by putting one foot in front of the other, starting today. It could be a simple stroll around the block, a gentle jog in the park or one of these 14 Enjoyable and Easy Hikes and Walks around Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from outdoorvancouver.ca. Just remember to keep your distance and stay safe out there. 

References

“Exercising to relax.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax July 13, 2018.

“The Benefits of Physical Activity.” Heart & Stroke.

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy/stay-active/benefits-of-physical-activity March 2, 2020.

David C.Nieman Laurel M.Wentzb. “The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system.”Journal of Sport and Health Science Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2019, Pages 201-217

“Exercise…it Does a Body Good: 20 Minutes Can Act as Anti-Inflammatory.” Michelle Brubaker. UC Sandiego News Centre. January 12, 2017.

*Dimitrov, Stoyan. Hulteng, Elaine. Hong, Suzi. “Inflammation and exercise: Inhibition of monocytic intracellular TNF production by acute exercise via β2-adrenergic activation.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Volume 61, March 2017, Pages 60-68.