We typically associate being active with improved physical health. Although that is the most readily apparent benefit of being active, it is far from the only one. Did you know that being physically active can also have a positive impact on your mental health?
During the two years or so, with half of the world locked down due to COVID-19, mental health has become an especially important factor to pay attention to. We need to take care of ourselves mentally as well as physically – and exercise is a great way to improve your mental health.
Not sure where to get started? Here are five easy forms of exercise that can help to improve your overall mental health.
1. Walking
The simplest form of exercise is far more effective than you may have realised. Have you noticed how your mind is often clearer after you go for a scenic walk? Walking is a great way to get the blood flowing while increasing awareness of your body and surroundings.
Moreover, walking doesn’t require a membership, a piece of equipment, or anything else. You can start by going for a walk around your neighbourhood. Even a half hour of walking a week can have a tremendous impact. Get up and get out to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. If you have been out of touch with exercise for a while, you can start slow and build up as you go.
2. Yoga
More and more people are showing interest in yoga and for good reason. Instead of being about rigorous activity, it is about gentle and controlled movement. Yoga exercises are soothing in nature, which can help you to focus on things such as breathing and finding inner balance.
Sometimes, all it takes is a pattern of controlled breathing and stretching to really get the most out of your body and improve your mental health. Like walking, you don’t need a range of different equipment to get started. Even better, there are lots of yoga classes online that you can follow along with if you do not want to go to in-person classes.
3. Swimming
Perhaps the most comprehensive form of physical activity is swimming. It makes use of nearly all of your muscles while also providing better physical resistance, without the sometimes damaging impact that running or lifting weights can have.
Not only that, but swimming also puts a focus on breathing. You can give your body the best workout while also focusing on your breathing and calming anxiety. It really is the type of workout that is the best of both worlds when it comes to giving your body and mind the attention they require.
4. High-Intensity Workouts
Not everything has to be slow and calming when it comes to exercising and mental health. While high-intensity workouts have a reputation for increasing stress, that isn’t necessarily true. Yes, your body will produce higher levels of adrenaline and cortisol. But with time, your body adjusts and it can actually help to cope with stress.
When you partake in a high-intensity workout, there is the endorphin aspect to consider. Doing these high-intensity workouts can give your brain the endorphins it craves while giving your body the physical activity that it needs to remain healthy and in the best of shape.
5. Cycling
Cycling is a great form of cardio as it gets your heart pumping and your body moving quickly. This exercise trains you to focus on your breathing and stamina and is also a vigorous activity to help let off steam.
Whether in the form of riding an actual bicycle or doing spin exercises on a stationary bike, consider taking up cycling as a form of regular exercise. The good news is that you can do either one that suits you. Grabbing your bike and heading out on a ride can be therapeutic. But if you don’t want to leave home, there are plenty of home exercise bikes that have programmes and classes already installed to help you get in the best workout.
Find Your Balance
The key is to find not only an activity that works best for you but a routine as well. You won’t get to experience the mental health benefits of exercising if you only partake once in a while. Start by exercising at least once a week and then increase the frequency from there. The more you exercise, the better your body and mind will feel.
If you have any questions about starting a new workout or uncertainties about your mental health, you can always speak to your local GP about it. For specific concerns regarding exercise, you can also consult with an exercise physiologist. The expert team at Coolaroo Clinic will be more than happy to point you in the right direction if you have any enquiries, so contact us to find out more today.