Whilst we know that being more physically active improves our physical well-being, there are also some not as obvious brain-health benefits!
Sleeping better, thinking more clearly and a long-term reduction in the risk of developing anxiety or depression can result from exercising regularly. Even one-off bouts of exercise are proven to enhance mood and reduce anxiety, anger, confusion, depression and tension. This is why scheduling lunchtime walks or joining evening fitness classes can help you get through your day!
These positive effects on mental health are also seen with children, teens and older adults. Getting the whole family involved can help everyone's mental health and aid physical wellbeing.
Whether it’s aerobic, resistance or mind-body exercise you enjoy, doing what you can as regularly as you can can help you feel better all over! Finding things you enjoy to do can be a challenge but having different options for weather, season, time of day and with/without company can help you always have something you can do even if your best laid plans don't work out.
For aiding chronic health conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc) we know that time accumulated each week is important but frequency is vital. When it comes to exercising to benefit your mental health, if you can't do exercise regularly during the week, but can put it all into one effort at the weekend, you will still reap well-being rewards. So if your week is so busy that the daily walk isn't possible, you can still keep on top of your mental health by fitting it in when you can at the weekend.
If you want to boost your mental or physical health you can speak to me privately about what type of exercise might be best for you and your personal circumstances.
Susan McCall
CIMPSA Senior Health and Activity Practitioner
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