Tag Archives: exercise

Go green! And, we don’t mean juice!


In today’s hectic, fast-paced world, pretty much anything can contribute to raising your stress levels. It is important to take steps to reduce stress as much as possible in order to improve overall health and wellness. Rx: go green! Yes, outside into the great green yonder, and here’s what will happen:

If you only have 5 minutes to spare: Exercising outdoors will not only elevate your mood, but your self-esteem as well, according to a report in Environmental Science and Technology.

Can you make it 10? Simply being outside will help you become more focused according to a study from the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago.

20 minutes is all it takes: According to researchers at the University of Rochester, if you spend 20 minutes outside daily, you will see your energy levels skyrocket.

A well-deserved 30. Spend 30 magical minutes outdoors and say good bye to depressing thoughts. Your blood pressure will drop and you’ll feel happier as well, according to research in Scientific Reports.

4 Minutes is ALL it takes!

© Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis

Do you wake up in the morning thinking you just don’t have the time for the gym before you go to work? Do you tend to pass on your evening workout to have dinner or drinks with friends? If an hour at the gym seems impossible, then good news is here! All it takes is 4 minutes of a blood pumping workout at your target heart rate to get more than just “happy” endorphins. The lifestyle that you lead is one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy body and mind. How you treat your body—the nutrition you give it, the regular maintenance you keep for it, and the care you take with it—will not only be reflected in your external appearance, but will also shape the way you feel inside.

It’s almost impossible to overstate the importance of taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Stress management techniques including sleep and regular, moderate exercise, maintaining healthy relationships, taking care to eat a balanced diet, and quitting smoking are all key parts of Dr. Yagoda’s integrative beauty and overall health philosophy.  Four minutes of intense exercise at your target heart rate will provide the full benefits of an extended workout.  Four minutes!  Then, you can relax, have dinner and drinks… because you’re all done!

Exercising the Mind Can Improve Well-Being

Eating a healthy diet and challenging your body on a daily basis certainly can improve the way you look and feel. But did you know that exercising your brain can also improve your well-being?

According to a recent study, mental training can stimulate changes not only in brain functioning, but also in the structure of the brain itself. Researchers found that people who think positive thoughts secrete hormones that help the body heal faster and function better. And, people who challenge their memory and expand their intellectual horizons, gain increased brain matter and better physical and mental function.

Did You Know … Housework Helps You Live Longer!

You may think that cleaning the house is a tedious task, but recent studies suggest household chores are beneficial to your health. Researchers found that physical activity, even at a low level, can increase life expectancy. So next time you do the dishes, your heart is thanking you even if your family ISN’T.

If you’re wondering exactly how many calories you’re burning, it depends on the intensity of your housework and your weight. According to HealthStatus.com online calculator, a person who weighs 160 lbs will burn about 211 calories during 60 minutes of housework, whereas a person weighing 200 lbs will burn more than 260 calories.

Doctor prescribed: 20 minutes of exercise a day

Gretchen Reynolds, health and fitness writer for the New York 3Times, discusses the many health benefits of moving around for just 20 minutes per day.

She says, “the science shows that if you just do anything, even stand in place 20 minutes, you will be healthier” than if you sit for many hours on end.

Read more about her findings and her new book, called “The First 20 Minutes.”

Learn more on Dr. Yagoda’s Facebook page.