Managing Stress: Choosing the Best Type of Activity for You
Following are a few key questions* that can help you decide which forms of physical activity might be right for you.
How physically fit are you now?
If you haven’t been active recently, start out slowly - for example, walking 15-20 minutes or beginning at a low level on some cardio equipment for 10-15 minutes. If you overdo, you increase your risk for injury.
What do you want from your physical activity?
Do you want to run a race in a few months, or just be able to maintain a moderate level of activity for 30 minutes? You can find fitness in a lot of enjoyable activities.
Do you prefer to be alone or with others when you are being active?
Some people do better with exercise buddies, while others prefer the time alone. Find what motivates you.
Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?
Getting active doesn’t have to be “working out at Ramsey” - you can walk around Lake Herrick or join ORC weekend expeditions.
How much time are you willing to commit?
When can you fit activity into your schedule?
It can help to write your activity time into your planner or to find 10-15 minutes a few times a day you can get active.
*Adapted from The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook
How physically fit are you now?
If you haven’t been active recently, start out slowly - for example, walking 15-20 minutes or beginning at a low level on some cardio equipment for 10-15 minutes. If you overdo, you increase your risk for injury.
What do you want from your physical activity?
Do you want to run a race in a few months, or just be able to maintain a moderate level of activity for 30 minutes? You can find fitness in a lot of enjoyable activities.
Do you prefer to be alone or with others when you are being active?
Some people do better with exercise buddies, while others prefer the time alone. Find what motivates you.
Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?
Getting active doesn’t have to be “working out at Ramsey” - you can walk around Lake Herrick or join ORC weekend expeditions.
How much time are you willing to commit?
When can you fit activity into your schedule?
It can help to write your activity time into your planner or to find 10-15 minutes a few times a day you can get active.
*Adapted from The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook
My Physical Activity Plan
Activities I can do or want to try _____________________________________________
Times I can do them ____________________________________________________
Equipment I will need ___________________________________________________
Support people _______________________________________________________
My rewards _________________________________________________________
Activities I can do or want to try _____________________________________________
Times I can do them ____________________________________________________
Equipment I will need ___________________________________________________
Support people _______________________________________________________
My rewards _________________________________________________________