10/2020) Cardio is the well-known exercise for heart and overall body health but there are a few others that will keep you moving a little easier too.

Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries. You may not think of this as an exercise but it can improve your overall health just the same. Today's world was filled with stress even before the pandemic and now people are looking for more ways to relieve anxiety. Daily responsibilities like work, school, family and household chores are always there. How we handle them can make all the difference in your health and the health of your entire family. Taking thirty minutes to yourself may sound impossible when you think about your schedule.

Maybe you can't find that much time each day but everyone can find 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day to do something for themselves. If you have not thought about meditation or have never tried it, do some research and see how taking just a few minutes a day can help with blood pressure, anxiety and even some of those aches and pains. Slow down, breath and think of a place or activity that you enjoy.

Put yourself in that place in your mind and relax. You may not feel immediate changes but after a week or so, hopefully you will notice a little less stress and a little more calm in your life. I'm not saying you won't still have all the bustle and work but hopefully your body will react to it in a calmer way.

Stretching is another way to relieve the stress and aches and pains we feel from our busy lives. Many people find themselves sitting in front of the computer more than ever. Working from home has its advantages but it also has some challenges. Get up and walk around every half hour or so. Sitting for long periods of time is one of the worst things we can do. If you are more sedentary than usual because of a change in your work schedule try doing a few stretches while sitting there.

Flexing your foot or leg will not interfere with working and may ease or eliminate stiff muscles. Rolling your shoulders back and forth and up and down may help you avoid a stiff neck or a headache. Stretching can also give you a little boost of energy during that afternoon slump instead of reaching for that soda or candy bar that will just all calories and pounds.

Yoga is another great way to strengthen your body that doesn't take a lot of time out of your day. I know taking a yoga class with an instructor is a better way to push yourself to do more but you can practice a few moves on your own during the day. Yoga is not hard and you can adapt the moves to your flexibility and time. Just like meditation and stretching, yoga can be incorporated into your daily schedule in short periods of time.

Find a stretch or yoga position that targets the area of your body that is feeling stressed, fatigued or achy and hold it for a count of three to five slow breaths. This will not only relieve the pain in the area you are concentrating on but it will also calm your mind and slow your heart rate. Try doing this a few times a day and you will find it relaxing as well as beneficial to your health.

As always, if you have any health problems or concerns check with your doctor before starting any new program. These suggestions may seem time consuming but trying one at a time for just a few minutes a day is possible to work into your busy schedule. Meditation, stretching and yoga are all great ways to relieve stress and boost your immune system and overall health.

Try them and see which works for you. Maybe all three will be enjoyable and you can practice a different one each day. Don't expect a big change in a day or two. These practices are something that will bring about a positive change when used consistently over time. Don't give up and you will feel the positive benefits and hopefully incorporate them into your daily routines for the rest of your life.

Remember to keep moving and stay positive during this trying time!