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Regular physical activity helps you feel better, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and protects you against cognitive decline.

Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance! Physical activity makes you feel good. Most importantly, find activities you enjoy that suit your level of mobility and fitness. Do whatever you can, enjoy the things you do, be active and stay positive.

Actions you can take:

• Add activity to your day wherever you can: take the stairs, walk to nearby errands, walk over to your colleagues in your building - or get off the bus one stop early.
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• Regularly invite friends and family to community walks or hikes.
• Choose active vacation activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, skiing or paddling.
• Try a community organized run/walk, or a cycling event.
• Try tai chi, yoga or swimming for gentle low-impact activity.
• Choose activities that suit the season, such as snow-shoeing, skiing and skating in the winter; raking leaves in the fall and hiking, canoeing, or cycling in the spring and summer.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults, 60 minutes of activity per day for children and youth. For adults, that’s a brisk half hour walk, five times a week.

Adapted from the New Economics Foundation Five Ways to Wellbeing Project

More Five Ways to Well-being Articles

Connect: Build Positive Relationships
Notice: Savour the Moment
Keep Learning: Open Your Mind
Give: Find Fulfillment in Helping Others

Resources & Links:

Physical Activity Line (PAL)
SportBC: Find Your Sport
British Columbia: Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA)
Aboriginal Sport BC: Region Programs and Activities Calendar
ParticipACTION: Resources, programs and answers
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: Guidelines for other ages