We explore the link between exercise & mental health
Walking in the fresh air, taking up yoga or even dancing to your favourite song, one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to help us feel on top of the world is to move our bodies.
Not convinced? Stick with us for a mental health and exercise extravaganza. We’ll talk you through how physical activity and mental health are connected (not too much science, we promise), along with some tips and tricks to get you off the sofa and into your activewear.
Physical activity & mental health
We know that being active is great for our physical health, but did you know moving your body causes chemical changes in your brain? These feel-good chemicals are called endorphins, and they help to change your mood for the better, meaning physical activity is great for your mental health, too.
Getting your heart pumping can also help you manage feelings of worry or anxiety. Because the body and the mind work hand in hand, you’ll focus on your body’s movements rather than what’s going on in your mind when you exercise. Cool, right?
But the benefits of exercise don’t stop there! If you’re struggling to snooze when hitting the hay, try being a bit more active during the day. Moving more during your waking hours can help you drift off into dreamland because you’re more tired when it comes to bedtime, and getting a restful night is another great way to look after your mental health. Just make sure you’re not exercising too close to bedtime, as this can make it more difficult to drift off. Take a look at our advice for getting the most out of your shut-eye.
From going to the gym to high-adrenaline sports, some people naturally enjoy being active. But if that’s not you, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways you can reap the mood-boosting benefits of exercise just by making a few simple lifestyle tweaks.
Get moving
Exercise comes in all shapes and sizes. If you’re not up for being a marathon runner – kudos to you if you are – why not try putting one foot in front of the other? Yep, walking is the simplest and easiest form of exercise.
Being in the great outdoors (even for a short amount of time) can work wonders for your mental health, helping you process thoughts and feelings with every step. With a clear head, you’ve got more energy to concentrate on things other than any unwanted thoughts – don’t knock a ramble in nature (or even a humble walk around the block) until you’ve tried it!
Fancy something a bit more stretching? Yoga could be just the thing! Its superpower is helping you to feel more connected to your body through gentle exercises like deep breathing. Breathing in and out as you stretch can help calm your mind and make you more mindful of your body and surroundings. Sound like your cup of tai-chi (we mean tea)? Check out the pros of meditation and mindfulness with Headspace – you won’t regret it!
Fitness tips to get you moving & keep you motivated
We know it can be tricky to make time for exercise on top of all the other things on your daily to-do list. Exercise can be a great way to break up the working day, so block out your lunchtimes and lace up your trainers! Leave the daily stress at your desk and prioritise your physical and mental health – you’ll be surprised at how good you feel afterwards.
If it’s not that easy for you to take time out for exercise, why not make it fun and incorporate more movement into your day-to-day? Try recruiting some colleagues into a bit of healthy competition with a step challenge (winner buys the Friday treats!). Or you could make date night or quality time with the kids more of an activity-based agenda – rediscover roller-skating, go for a dip in the local pool or have a wander and explore somewhere new together.
If you’re struggling with being consistent, why not treat yourself to a fitness tracker to help stay motivated? You could even buddy up and run or walk with a friend or join a group, to help keep you accountable.
Don’t forget to celebrate your progress – seeing how far you’ve come is another great motivator to stay focused on your goals and help keep your mental health in check.
If you’re not feeling your best for whatever reason, don’t be too hard on yourself for not exercising every day. Everyone goes at their own pace – it’s not about crossing the finish line first. Everyday things like gardening, vacuuming or cleaning can help to keep you on your feet. And chores can be great for your mental health as well – after all, who doesn’t love ticking off their to-do list and celebrating with a cuppa in a nice tidy house? It’s OK to do things your way.
Remember, while exercise is great for your physical and mental health, it’s important to check-in with your GP if you have a medical condition and are thinking of trying any new forms of exercise.
So let’s re-cap. Exercise and mental health go hand in hand. Moving your body any which way you like can make a big difference to how you think and feel. It’s a great tool to help you lead a more positive life and take some time for yourself, or even connect with the people who are important to you – and it doesn’t have to cost a thing!
