Physical Activity
Physical activity gives us energy and increases the production of endorphins, which make us feel good. It also helps calm our brain and body when stressful things happen in our life.
It can be hard to find time in our busy lives to be physically active, but even walking around the block, taking the stairs, and stretching at your home or workplace can help.
Check out the Stress Buster strategies, and see which ones might work best for you and the people you care about.
Resources for Professionals
Looking for resources to patients and clients increase their physical activity? See Professional Resources within the Stress Busters for Community-Based Organizations toolkit.
Resources for Everyone
Want tips and tools to help you get more active? The following articles, videos, and audio tools can help.
General Tools and Resources
- DID YOU KNOW? Being Physically Active Can Prevent and Manage Stress (ACEs Aware)
- Physical Activity Stress Buster Video (California Virtual Training Academy Resources)
- Fitness Program: 5 Steps to Get Started (Mayo Health Clinic)
- Use the UCLA Bruin Paws website for step-by-step planning to get you more active. (UCLA)
- Sign up for UCLA’s MoveMail to get daily emails sent at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. that provide instructional videos and movement breaks you can do anywhere (UCLA)
- Trauma- and Violence-Informed Physical Activity Video (Health and Wellness Equity Research Group Carleton)
- Move Your Way (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Health, Heart Health Benefits of Physical Activity (UCSF)
- Quit tobacco and nicotine with free coaching and science-based strategies (Kick It California)
Age-Specific
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Children Under 5 (United Kingdom National Health Service)
- Making Physical Activity Part of A Child’s Life (CDC)
- Stress Health: Exercise (Center for Youth Wellness)
- Promoting Exercise English, Spanish, Portuguese (Center for Youth Wellness)
- Live Beyond Campaign: Move Your Body (Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative)
- How Older Adults Can Get Started with Exercise (NIH National Institute on Aging)
- Move Your Way Older Adults (US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
- Exercising Outdoors: Safety Tips for Older Adults (National Institute on Aging)
Accessibility
- How to Exercise with Limited Mobility (HelpGuide.org)
- 7 Wheelchair Workouts to Try, Plus What You Need to Know about Exercising in Aa Wheelchair (Women’s Health)
- GGR’s Guide to Gym Accessibility: Exercises for different needs or abilities and ways to make workout spaces welcoming for all (Garage Gym Reviews)
On A Budget
- Free, on-demand fitness videos (YMCA). For more physical activity options check with your local YMCA for membership. Most YMCAs provide financial assistance for membership.
- Exercise videos for beginners, seniors, mobility, and endurance (UCSF)
- Check out Oprah’s top picks for YouTube workouts (Oprah Daily)
- Home workout videos (United Kingdom National Health Service)
- Check out Kaiser Permanente’s member deals for reduced rates on studios, gyms, and online classes
Mindful Physical Activity
Activities that combine physical activity with self-regulation skills and breathing techniques may be particularly helpful for reducing stress and healing:
- How Yoga Can Help Heal Trauma (Cleveland Clinic)
- Guided Yoga with Adriene (YouTube)
- Dr. Arielle Schwartz Trauma-Informed Yoga (YouTube)
- Whole Health, A Heart for Service: Tai Chi article and videos (Veterans Affairs)
- How martial arts is helping PTSD sufferers (PTSD UK)
See Experiencing Nature resources for ways to be active outdoors.
Download the complete set of Stress Busters handouts. English and Spanish included.
