HOW CAN MOVEMENT IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

Studies have shown physical activity and exercise to have a positive effect on mental health. As little as 10minutes walking may improve energy, mood and mental alertness. Here’s how:

☁️ Chemical Release: Increasing your heartrate increases the availability of anti-anxiety neurochemicals, including endorphins, serotonin, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) & endocannabinoids. These essentially help to reduce feelings of stress & pain, improve your mood & give you more energy.

☁️ Mindfulness: Physical activity is a great way to distract yourself from racing thoughts that feed mental illnesses. When you’re lifting weights for example, your thoughts have to be in the present moment to focus on your technique, loading and tempo etc, giving you a break from worrying about other things.

☁️ Improved Self Esteem: Your perception of your worth is an indicator of mental wellbeing & your ability to deal with stressors. Meeting goals (whether that’s beating PBs, improving stamina or losing weight) creates a sense of achievement that can help to increase your sense of worth.

☁️ Social Interactions: Meeting and socialising while taking part in group activities can help with your mood & reduce feelings of isolation/loneliness.

☁️ Better Sleep: Engaging in exercise will help to regulate sleep patterns, & activities such as yoga/gentle stretching have been proven to promote sleep.