IN YOUR DAILY DOSE: you’ll learn one or two simple strategies that may improve your cognitive functioning, especially as you age.

MAKING CHANGES: While these changes are simple, they also may require a bit of time and motivation. However, the results you achieve will be well worth the effort - and they aren’t confined to just your cognitive abilities.

FACT OR FICTION: Vacations are fun, exciting, relaxing and build strength. But, you may not value taking one each year because you may not value those benefits. There are several other benefits for taking a vacation that most people value.

In The News

Researchers have once again proven that aerobic and resistance training make a difference in your overall health. Many of the benefits of exercise are well known - such as improved cardiovascular health, increased ability to do activities during the day, weight management, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cancers and all-cause mortality, better mood, reduced risk of depression and greater productivity.

Now researchers have also demonstrated that aerobic and resistance training can boost your brain power, especially if you are over age 50. In a comprehensive review of the literature and past research studies, scientists proved an improvement in cognitive skills, irrespective of the starting brain health.

SOURCE: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170424215441.htm

Daily Health Tip

This means that you benefit from exercise whether you start exercising at age 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70 - it is never too late to start!

Making Changes

Including an exercise program in your daily routine may be challenging  - especially as most people say the reason they don’t exercise is because they don’t have enough time in their day. However, you don’t have to go to the gym, buy expensive equipment or take hours out of your day to accomplish your goals.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Have a reason you want to start exercising - but pay attention to how you feel while you’re exercising and after you’re done. Studies show that your extrinsic reason for exercise - your reason why - may help you get started but won’t keep you going. People who recognize how much better they feel after the workout, and recognize the benefits they experience, are the people who keep going.
2. Exercise can be as simple as a 20 minute walk after dinner each night, or training for a triathalon. The choice is yours.
3. It’s important to NOT overdo it nor set goals you’ll never achieve. You may want to complete a marathon - but start by walking, then a one mile run, then a 3K and onward. Start with what you know you can achieve and continue to set your goals higher and higher.
4. Pay attention to how your body feels during and after your workout - don’t workout past pain that is more than tired muscles. You won’t gain anything except an injury that sidelines you for weeks.
5. Consider small pieces of equipment for your home - jump rope, rebounder, rowing machine, small indoor bike - to help change what you’re doing each day without having to go to the gym.
6. Look for body weight exercise videos on YouTube - you won’t have to go to the gym to get in your strength training. You have everything you need at home.

Daily Affirmation

When great opportunities arise, I get excited. I consider the potential positive impact on my life and go after them. I know that being brave is the first step in achieving greatness in life. Having guts also fuels my self-confidence.
New work opportunities give me a chance to develop professionally. Although new jobs involve greater responsibility, I ask for them anyway.
Fact or Fiction?

Have you been putting off your vacation? Well, you probably shouldn’t!  Did you know that vacation can increase your creativity and productivity, reduce your risk of heart attack, reduce stress and feelings of depression, and increase intimacy with your spouse. And, interestingly, the United States is the only developed country without a single legally required paid vacation day or holiday.  It might not be required by the government, but it’s in the best interest of your health to take those days when you can!

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team