InTouch with Southern Kentucky February 2020 | Page 37

• Improve Self-Confidence – Can
boost self-esteem
• Enjoyment for the great out-
doors – spend time with nature, see
things in a different light
• Prevent cognitive decline –
exercise boosts the chemicals in
the brain that support and prevent
degeneration of the hippocampus
(the part of the brain that controls
our memory and learning)
• Alleviate anxiety
• Boost brainpower –studies has
shown that exercise can create new
brain cells and improve overall brain
performance
Exercise doesn’t have to be formal
process – it just needs to be about
being more active each day – may-
be taking the stairs instead of the
elevator, parking further away from
the front door of the store, walking
to another room to talk to someone
instead of texting.
Where do we begin with exercise?
Start with learning where you are
now. Use a pedometer to show you
how many steps you take every day
or keep a diary documenting how
long you spend being active. Then
you can utilize the SMART process to
determine your goals:
S – Specific – what are you going to
do? Be very clear. I will increase my
daily steps by 1,000 steps.
M – Measurable – you can measure
that you took 1,000 extra steps per
day.
A – Achievable – set a goal you
know you can reach. We want to
reach for the stars but we have to
take baby steps to get there.
R – Relevant – it has to be some-
thing YOU want to achieve not some-
one else.
T – Time-based – in what amount of
time do you want to achieve the goal.
Once you have achieved your 1st
SMART goal set another goal and
continue with increasing your phys-
ical health to aide in your mental
health.
Life is about Balance. Balance
Physical Health with Mind Health –
we find our balance with Mind, Body,
and Soul.
C ALL TODAY FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR!
145 TOWER CIRCLE • SOMERSET, KENTUCKY • BLUEGRASSLIVINGKFB.COM • 606.679.4578
F ebruary 2020
I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky • 37