Exercise & Moving
Did you know the ‘feel-good’ chemicals released through exercise & moving our bodies are the exact same chemicals released when we are in the presence of a romantic interest…
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A little sliver of reflection and an important part of my survival guide…
As we all do, at some point, our struggle with mental wellbeing is reflected in our overuse or underuse of exercise. Whether it’s excessive training to escape, avoid or distract ourselves from something painful or whether we struggle to get out of bed and find motivation for anything and close our doors to the world and not exercise at all. One element of my survival guide, which I can personally attest to, is finding a healthy balance in regular exercise and movement to improve our mental wellbeing.
It’s not just about looking good or feeling strong; regular exercise, no matter how small, can help us to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and even some more severe mental health conditions. Especially so, if we are able to get outside, and move our bodies under the sun; whether that be walking down the road, the canal, along a river or beach, a mountain or strolling through fields or the desert.
When we exercise, our brains release a number of different chemicals and hormones that have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress…
But it’s not just about the chemicals that are released during exercise. Exercise can also help to promote new neural connections in our brains, which can lead to improved cognitive function and better mental health outcomes. Studies have shown that if we take part in regular exercise, it can lead to increased brain volume in areas associated with memory, attention, and executive function. This is particularly important for us as we age, as exercise can help to prevent age-related cognitive decline within us.
So, what kinds of exercise are best for mental health?
The good news is that any kind of physical activity that we do can be beneficial. Whether we prefer jogging, weightlifting, yoga, swimming, or dancing, as long as we are moving our bodies and getting our heart rate up, we can reap the mental health benefits of exercise and do it in a fun way. We can get friends or family involved in moving too, and this will not only release ‘feel-good’ chemicals, but it will also help increase our emotional connection to loved ones.
I found my solitude from being on the water, whether it be paddle boarding along rivers, the coast or wake and kite surfing; it not only became my exercise but my form of mindfulness too. For me, moving my body on the water provides me with a space where I can easily connect my mind, body and soul. This helps me stay emotionally regulated while enabling me to reflect, connect with my breath, and stay calm and tranquil.
Other forms of exercise which have helped me and others are…
Of course, exercise is not a remedy for all mental health issues, and it is not a substitute for medication or therapy. However, it can be a valuable addition to a mental wellbeing plan, and it can help to improve our overall quality of life.
For example, taking a short walk during our lunch break or doing a few stretching exercises in the morning can help to boost our mood and improve our overall mental wellbeing.
Made by Charlotte Spurway L.L.C.