Physical well-being generally refers to maintaining physical
health through regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. For healthy
adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of
moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity spread
throughout a week.1 Regular exercise combined with a well-balanced
diet contribute to having energy throughout the day and preventing chronic
diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, physical well-being involves monitoring one’s
own body for warning signs of illness, being able to treat one’s minor
illnesses, and knowing when to seek medical assistance.
Research demonstrates that regular exercise and a balanced
diet can also improve sleep and mood while decreasing stress.2 Therefore,
through supporting physical health, one can also contribute to their
psychological well-being.
Resources
- Don’t let the numbers daunt you: If you are
hoping to increase your physical activity, but 75-150 minutes seems like too
much, consider beginning by just reducing the amount of time you spend
sedentary. Click
here to read more about the relationship between sedentary behavior and
health.
- To learn more about the importance of physical
wellness, visit The
American Heart Association website
- Have questions about your nutritional needs or
how to maintain a balanced diet? Considering making an appointment with
registered dietitian Cindy Mosely through Hendrix nutritional
counseling.
- Interested in utilizing a personal trainer or
taking a group exercise class? Visit the Hendrix College Wellness and Athletics Center website
for more information.
1 https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/index.html
2https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jsr.12297