Elevate Your Physical Activity in Retirement

We are living longer and that is good news. To take advantage of our new longevity we need to keep healthy. To get healthy and to stay healthy we need to elevate our physical activity when we retire. Here are some ideas on how you can do this. Remember, if you have not been active or you are thinking of changing your activity level, always check with your doctor before starting any changes.

Be active. Regular exercise can help relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins into your system and will give you a natural boost. Endorphins are sometimes called "the happy chemicals" because of their stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties. Competitive sports such as squash, tennis, badminton and circuit training are excellent examples of physical activities.

Walk or jog regularly. Walking or jogging for 30 minutes each day may help to ease stress and anxiety and improve cardiovascular health.

Relax, or practise relaxation techniques. Listen to some soothing music you like. Soak in a nice warm bath. Simply take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around doing the things you love.

Stretch. Take up yoga. Yoga is an ideal form of exercise that melds the body, mind, and spirit. It promotes good health, a positive self-image and teaches relaxation.

Breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose (5 sec), hold (5 sec), exhale slowly (5 sec): repeat 5 times. Deep breathing can relieve anxiety and pressure.

Get a daily dose of sunlight if you can. Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone called Melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and/or a lethargic condition. You could go have lunch outside the office for a change or take frequent walks in the early afternoon instead of driving your car over short distances.

Go for acupuncture treatment. By using various pressure points, it is believed to enable a calming effect and promote a healthier emotional balance.

Take up gardening. Work in the garden, watering plants and pulling up weeds; each is calming in its own way.

Play with your grandkids. Take part in activities with family, have an active playtime with your grandkids and make plans with them for what you will do together when you are feeling better.

Get an exercise buddy. Find a partner and sign up for community exercise sessions, Zumba, Yoga etc. Working out in a large group will keep you motivated to keep on going and not give up.