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This winter stay active so you can boost your mental health

MADISON (WKOW) -- Health and wellness experts remind us theres a powerful correlation between mental and physical health.Darkerand colderdayscan causeyou tofeel more fatigued and tired all the timeand thiscausesstress and anxiety to increase.

However, aquick workout at the gym,or even a brisk walk around your neighborhoodcould help decrease these symptoms and improve your mood.

Studies have shown that a lack of physical activity will actually make your mental health and your stress and anxiety levels worse, says Devin Peterson,ahealth and wellness coach atQuickHITFitness Labs.So even though this time of year can be very difficult to feel motivated to get exercise in, it's very important to get that physical activity in there, because if you don't,it will amplify those negative feelings.

Petersonrecommendstrying toreframe your thoughtswhen it comes to exercise.Instead of telling yourself this is something youhaveto do on top of your busy schedule, think ofphysical activityas something you know will give you a boost of energy.

Also, your workout doesn't have to be an hour and a halfevery daytosee results. Think about spending a maximum an hour a week of exercisingin 20-minute chunks. Thatshouldfeel more doable.

You can stay activebystretching and making sure you hityourentire body.Hold the position for 10-20 seconds and focusontaking long,deep breaths.Thisis agood way to feelmore calm and relaxed.

Healthexperts also recommend finding someone to exercise with. This helps you to be accountable. Also, studies show the social interaction helps reduce symptoms ofdepressionand anxiety.

Separatingyourself from those stressful factors or your busy schedule and then just doing something that you enjoy for a little bit of time each dayhelps, says Peterson.That's a big thing that will help improve the mental healthandthen might make it easier for you to feel more motivated todo some physical activity.

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Move your body for a healthy mind: Health experts weigh in on winter activity - WKOW