I was always diligent about incorporating exercise in my wellness plan. When I fractured my ankle back in November 2015, my exercise routine became very limited. For years, my first choice for exercise has been my mini rebounder/trampoline but I could not use it with a cast so it got set aside. The year 2016 was a challenging year due to an accident my husband had and then 2017 came with challenges that I mention in my January blog. So now it is 2018 and thankfully the year has been going well so far. Recently, I had some time to watch the "Protect you Brain" DVD, produced by CBN in 2017. I learned only 20 minutes of vigorous exercise daily is all it takes to lower risk for Alzheimer's, stroke, depression and even heart disease.
So I found myself motivated to resume a daily exercise routine using my favorite way, my mini rebounder/trampoline. The benefits of jumping are numerous but improved immune system is one of them. If on a tight budget, an inexpensive jump rope works well too. Of course, you should always get clearance from your doctor before starting an exercise plan. The benefits of exercise are documented with much research and I was excited to learn how little time it takes to reap them. I have been back on my routine for over a week and I can definitely feel a difference in my mood, ability to focus and even lower readings on my blood pressure.
Also worthy to mention is that the University of Alabama at Birmingham did a study on the effects of exercise on depressive symptoms. The study website link is no longer active but in the past, I wrote a blog on exercise and depression so I am aware that the conclusion of the study was that exercise reduces depressive symptoms in patients with a chronic illness. The results of the study were that exercise does not just mildly reduce the symptoms but it SIGNIFICANTLY reduces depressive symptoms. The study reported that exercise training produced the greatest antidepressant effects in patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Exercise is so important for mental health. Now learning that the benefits for brain health only takes 20 minutes a day of exercise with the intensity that you break a sweat but are still able to hold a conversation, I believe it is much easier to achieve.
I know first hand how over the years, exercise helps me in maintaining my health both physically and mentally. Unfortunately the challenges I faced in recent years made it hard to stick to my routine. Thankfully, I have a renewed motivation to resume my exercise routine. I have been reaping the benefits of yoga since April of last year and now I am excited that I have been able to resume my first-love of jumping :)