Boost your mood

Ever heard of a ‘runner’s high’? That’s your body’s way of thanking you for getting your heart pumping. Exercise releases endorphins , those feel-good chemicals that instantly boost your mood. So if you’re feeling a bit low, a quick workout might be just what you need.

Squash stress

Stress is a topic we’ve covered in the past. Getting active helps lower your body’s stress hormones1, making you feel relaxed and happier. Plus, exercise gives you a mental break, allowing you to clear your mind and return to your tasks with a fresh perspective. So next time stress strikes, try going for a run, hitting the gym or just get moving – your mind will thank you.

Sleep like a baby

We’ve covered just how important sleep is to our health (if you haven’t yet, check it out here). Regular exercise can help you get those much-needed hours of rest. Physical activity increases the time you spend in deep sleep, the most restorative phase of shut-eye. Just be sure not to exercise too close to bedtime so you are ready to drift off.

Strengthen your heart

Your heart is a muscle − and like any muscle, it gets stronger with exercise. Regular workouts improve its health, lowers blood pressure and can help reduce cholesterol. It can even reduce your risk of developing some heart-related diseases by up to 35% . In short, working out helps keep your heart happy and healthy. If you missed it, there’s a whole blog on heart health here.

Tips to get started

If you like the sound of all this, but you’re not quite sure where to begin, here’s some tips to get you started:

• Set realistic goals – start small and gradually increase your activity level
• Find an activity you enjoy – whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming or yoga
• Make a schedule – consistency is key. Try to set aside specific times each week for exercise
• Mix it up – keep things interesting by trying different activities and workouts
• Listen to your body – pay attention to how you feel

We’re not saying you have to be an elite bodybuilder, ultra-marathon runner or endurance swimmer to get all these fantastic benefits. Little and often is a great way to get going. The best exercise is the one you enjoy and can stick with, so lace up your trainers, maybe grab a friend and start moving. Your body and mind will thank you.

And if you still want a bit of help with getting started, get in touch with Smart Health – you’ve got access to tailored fitness plans designed by sports coaches. Remove the hurdle of planning so you can hit the ground running.

Smart Health is provided to AIG Life Limited customers by Teladoc Health. We want to let you know that these services are non-contractual, which means they don’t form part of the insurance contract with us. If our partnership with Teladoc Health ends, these services could be changed or withdrawn in the future.

¹ NHS, 2022

² Performance Health (accessed 18/07/24 )

³ British Heart Foundation, 2024