Wellbeing Guide from Police Mutual Exercise and Nutrition
The key to having a long and happy retirement can start with your overall physical and mental wellbeing.
As we get older, eating healthily and taking regular exercise can be even more beneficial, a balanced diet can keep your body fit and
healthy. There is also the benefit of your immune system being better equipped to fight off illness and infection. Regular exercise can boost your sense of wellbeing as well as your physical health. Exercise can help to build your self-esteem as well as reduce anxiety and improve your mood. When you exercise, your brains release endorphins which help to make us feel energised, happier and less stressed. This could be as simple as a walk, dancing around the kitchen or even some gardening. Our physical and mental health are
undeniably linked, so it’s important to stay active.
Exercise
Staying physically active improves your health and quality of life and may lead to a longer life. It’s never too late to start being more active. A little activity every day can make a big difference, but it is advised to be active for 2 hours each week. Exercise is also a great social activity and it may lead you to make new friends, whether this is going for a swim, attending a gym class, playing golf or just walking the dog. The best type of activity is one that gets your heart pumping faster than usual and this could be an everyday task such as cleaning the house or gardening.
Nutrition
Poor nutrition and obesity are common in the UK and according to Public Health England nearly 2/3rds of adults in England are classed as being overweight with more men likely to be in this category than women. Being overweight can cause various health concerns and according to Cancer Research UK, overweight and obesity is the 2nd biggest cause of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer. Diabetes and heart disease are also other conditions that you have a higher chance of developing if you are obese. It is therefore important to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. A healthy diet can also benefit your brain and nervous system. Foods high in saturated fats, like cakes, biscuits or sausages, can speed mental decline. Other foods, like oranges and green leafy vegetables, oily fish or soya, are good for the brain.
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