Exercise for mental health
Exercise your way to improved mental wellbeing
We all know that being active is good for our physical health and fitness, but evidence shows that exercising can have a powerful effect on our mental wellbeing too.
Physical activity causes chemical changes in the brain, which lead to an increase in positive mood and helps things like mild depression and anxiety, thus leading to greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to challenges and take on the day! Check out some of our top tips on how to get started.
Find an activity you love
Being active doesn’t mean spending hours in the gym, just find what you love! Whether it’s a walk outdoors or joining a class with friends, test out some different activities to see what you enjoy and see how you can fit them into your daily routine.
Bring a friend along
Not only is it way more fun, but research has found that working out with a friend has lots of health benefits too! Bringing a bestie along to a workout can help you feel more motivated, supported, confident and willing to try new things.
Small steps
It can feel a little overwhelming to just throw yourself into a full-on exercise routine. Start off with little steps, even if it’s just walking somewhere that you normally drive to, or taking the stairs instead of the lift - it’s a start and a great way to ease yourself in.
Volunteer
Helping others is a big mood booster - why not see if your local animal shelter is looking for dog walkers? Or perhaps there is an after-school club that need volunteers to help out? Volunteering is a great way to get out there, meet new people and feel like you’re making a real difference, all whilst keeping active too!
Clear your head and get motivated
One of the biggest benefits of exercising is that it gives you a chance to clear your head. It’s the perfect time to listen to your favourite playlist or podcast and take some time for yourself.
There’s also lots of techie apps and wearables that can help you get motivated and see how your health is improving. You can even set goals with friends, which is a great way to get moving and make working out fun!
Plus, there’s nothing like a new outfit to boost your next workout!