Becky Weil always prided herself on staying active. Cardio, in particular, made her feel more positive and confident about her body. But work stress during pregnancy, a difficult birth and a colicky newborn derailed the 33-year-old New Jersey mom’s regular workout routine. She went months without exercising, and as time passed, realized she no longer felt like her old energetic self.
Determined to make a change, Becky started going to the gym on nights and weekends, when her husband was home to watch their baby. Besides strengthening and toning, the regular sweat sessions also gave her a much-needed energy boost and a sense of calm. “Once I started taking care of myself, I found I had more patience,” Becky says. “Even now, I notice a difference in my mood and overall happiness on days I go to the gym.”
Becky isn’t the only one who feels better after a workout. In fact, there’s evidence of a connection between staying active and improved mental health. Studies show people who exercise at least two to three times a week experience significantly less depression, anger and stress than those who exercise less frequently or not at all. And recent research even suggests that over time, regular exercise can help fend off dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Experts are still figuring out exactly why moving your muscles helps boost your mood. One possible explanation could be that aerobic exercise produces endorphins, or “feel good” chemicals. It also increases your heart rate, which triggers norepinephrine, a chemical that may help the brain deal with stress more effectively. Plus, exercise helps to increase blood flow to the brain. This, in turn, impacts all of your cellular functions, everything from improving concentration to regulating sleep to ultimately boosting your mood.
Your daily habits could also play a role, says Alan Schneider, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and a medical director for Aetna Behavioral Health. “People who exercise regularly have more structured lifestyles,” he explains. “They tend to be more grounded in how they eat, sleep, exercise and maintain themselves, so their mental state tends to be better.”
Whether moderate or vigorous, consistent exercise has mood-boosting benefits for people of all skill levels. The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend doing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days a week. If that seems like too much to take on, try starting out with 10- to 15-minute sessions and gradually increasing your time each week. (Always talk to your doctor before starting any fitness program.) Here are some activities to consider as you kickstart your fitness plan.
That’s what Judy Freedman, 60, discovered several years ago when she took up yoga after the death of her husband and subsequent retirement. “I needed a physical outlet to help me manage the process of change,” she says. Not only has the regular practice improved her flexibility and balance, she says it’s also increased her memory and sense of mindfulness.
Motivating yourself to get up and get moving can be a challenge, especially if you’re feeling down. Here are a few tips to stay on track.
It can be challenging to transition from military life to civilian life.
I came back home and I felt guilty. So when I realized that things weren’t going as well as I hoped they would it was a big wakeup call for me.
I knew I had to get back to doing the things that made me who I was before I could really start feeling better. I had to force myself, in some cases to get a little bit outside my comfort zone.
I started running and exercising more and that made me feel great. When we get people together, then they can support each other. Physical activity is just a great way to do that.
Not only is exercise great for your physical, mental and emotional health, but it’s just a way for people to build meaningful connections.
I’m Blayne Smith, Executive Director at Team Red, White and Blue. And Team Red, White and Blue is making better communities through physical and social activity.
Blayne Smith is a real member who’s given us permission to use his story.
Developing an exercise regimen will not only help you feel better physically, you’ll also enjoy a sense of accomplishment—and that can motivate you to keep going. Now that Becky’s son is in preschool, she has more time to work out, which revs up her energy and attitude. “When I’m on my way to pick up my son, I can’t wait to see him,” she says. “I’m excited about spending the rest of my day doing things with him, feeling more positive and happier.”
Brooke Showell is a writer and editor whose health, fitness and psychology stories have appeared in Self, Health, Woman’s Day and Redbook. She’s very into the idea of fitness travel and plans to one day take her yoga practice to the beach.
You are now being directed to the AMA site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the Give an Hour site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CVS Pharmacy site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CDC site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CVS Health site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the Apple.com COVID-19 Screening Tool
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the US Department of Health and Human Services site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CVS Health COVID-19 testing site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to
The Fight Is In Us site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Please log in to your secure account to get what you need.
The information you will be accessing is provided by another organization or vendor. If you do not intend to leave our site, close this message.
Get a link to download the app
Just enter your mobile number and we’ll text you a link to download the Aetna Health app from the App Store or on Google Play.
Message and data rates may apply*
Each main plan type has more than one subtype. Some subtypes have five tiers of coverage. Others have four tiers, three tiers or two tiers. This search will use the five-tier subtype. It will show you whether a drug is covered or not covered, but the tier information may not be the same as it is for your specific plan. Do you want to continue?