We have long been aware of the positive effects physical activity has on our bodies. We know that it makes us more alert, that our bodies become stronger and that our sleep improves. In later years, it has also become known that physical activity also and to a large extent affects our mental health. This page contains suggestions on how you can increase your physical activity.
Physical activity reduces the risks of obesity, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the risk of premature death. It can also improve our cognitive functions, such as our concentration and memory. Regular exercise reduces stress, low-spiritedness, worrying and anxiety, and provides us with better possibilities to handle emotions and thoughts effectively.
A small change in how much you move can have huge effects, regardless of the shape you were in when you started. Most often, physical activity also comes without negative side-effects. What activities you take on, how often and how intensely you take them on, is individual, and you must take your own situation and the effect your wish to achieve by your physical activity into account. A quick walk can be of help when your head is crammed with thoughts and emotions. Try various activities to find the one that suits you best. The best training is the training that happens.
Do you want to handle stress better, feel better, improve your memory and become more creative and intelligent? Modern brain research shows that physical activity and exercising has completely unimaginable effects on the brain, which is the organ in the human body that is affected the most by physical activity. Lecturer is Anders Hansen, senior consultant physician of psychiatry. The film is approximately 18 minutes long.
What do you want to achieve with your physical activity? If you struggle to get going, it may be wise to think about this beforehand to make sure your goal is SMART:
Are you hindered by lack of time, tiredness, not having the right equipment at hand or something else? There is always some activity you can take on – do what is possible.
Twice a year, in the autumn on Wednesday of week 38 and in the spring on Wednesday week 8, the Umea School of Sport Sciences holds Health on Campus as part of an initiative to promote health and wellness at Umeå University. All students and staff are welcome and naturally the event is free of charge. Health on campus offers several different free lectures, physical activities and workshops in the subject of physical activity and health. Your education should have made it possible for students to be able to participate in Health on campus (you should be unscheduled. Bring your fellow students to a day of movement!
Are you afraid you might exercise too much? Is your exercise taking over other important things in life, such as your recovery, health, relationships or studies? If you experience strong anxiety, irritation, low-spiritidness or sense of guilt if you do not exercise, then please contact the Student Health Service for support.