Activity is the voluntary or assisted use of energy, forces, and available mental, emotional, spiritual and physical processes.  It is the process of voluntarily and actively engaging the skeletal, muscular, cardiopulmonary and respiratory systems, in addition to interacting with mental, emotional and spiritual stimuli. Activity is critical for the continued growth and maintenance of the body, mind, spirit and emotional self.

Physical activity can include many types of actions, including physical movement through space, air and water, and any other activity that expends physical energy.  These activities keep the joints flexible, the body at a healthy weight, and ensures all bodily operating systems are functioning properly. While any activity is necessary for human growth and development, engaging in activity that causes feelings of reward, benefit, overcoming challenges, positivity, happiness or joy are most vital for achieving optimal health and well-being.

Activity happens on a spectrum, often depending on one’s own abilities. The number of early deaths can be decreased and longer life-spans achieved by increasing general activity. 

It is important to make activity a part of one’s routine, similar to brushing one’s teeth. Often, making the “right choice the easy choice” is critical to continued success. Incorporating activity from early youth helps to keep activity constant throughout one’s life-span. While movements and abilities may change throughout one’s lifetime, it’s important to find activities that suit your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical needs and abilities.