Exercise and Mental Health

We know the benefits that exercise has on our physical health, but do you know the benefits exercise can be for our mental wellbeing too?

When you exercise it makes you feel good and increases your overall health and your sense of wellbeing. The reason behind this is when you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins and serotonin which are the body's ‘feel-good’ chemicals. These chemicals trigger a positive feeling in the body that make you feel good and lift your mood.

Exercise can also help play a big role in preventing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and if you exercise regularly and it can reduce your stress levels.

Taking part in physical activity can also improve the quality of life of those experiencing mental health problems and help with recovery from mental health issues.

Exercise has social benefits too, it’s a great way of meeting new people and reduce any feeling of loneliness, by putting you in-touch with other people. The combination of interaction and exercising will boost your mood and your outlook on your day. Sometimes just being in a group can help people feel less isolated, and the support and encouragement from other people can be an invaluable asset in improving both physical and mental health.

Regular exercise is proven to help you sleep better, and a good night sleep with help you regulate your mood and increase your energy levels for the day ahead.

Exercise can also help you to have a positive self-image and high self-esteem. By exercising you can maintain a healthy weight and an uplifted mood, and you’ll feel better about yourself and your body and your self-confidence will grow.

The key is to try and make exercise part of your everyday routine, for example you could try walking or cycling instead of using the car. Get off a train or bus a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. Or spend some time walking your kids to school instead of driving them. You could get active around the house by doing some gardening, or washing the car or cleaning the windows. If you have a dog take more walks around the park. 

I could go on and on…

However if you are may struggling to finding motivation, or staying motivated to do exercise. You should try and think about ways you can make exercise part of your daily routine.

Whatever you do, DON’T think of exercise as just one more thing on your to-do list!

Choose something you enjoy, whether it is a run in the park an active tennis match with a friend or a yoga class, and try and make it part of your regular routine. Finding a friend to workout with, can also bring a new level of motivation and commitment to your exercise routine, knowing a friend is waiting for you to show up can be a powerful incentive for you to actually show up.

Or if you want to take your fitness to the next step consider hiring a qualified personal trainer like me, who will motivate you, be accountable and keep you on track 100%. A personal trainer can also help you set smart goals- specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-limited goals, which will help you achieve your goals and help you stay focused. A good personal trainer (like me) will make their training sessions enjoyable so you will stay consistent and motivated and see results.

With all the mental, social and physiological benefits exercise has on the mind and body, it only makes sense to become more active in your own life. Exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, and the more you exercise the better you’ll begin feel.

Exercise is the best form of medication if you ask me!  

So why don’t you start to exercise today, to lift your mood and improve both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Good Luck 

Amy Knipe your personal trainer in Clapham