Exercising can have a huge impact on your wellbeing, not just physically and mentally too. As well as helping you to keep fit, strong and healthy, it can also help to manage stress and your mood.

In light of the current situation, it’s become particularly important to look after our health. We understand that staying at home and adjusting your fitness routine is not going to be easy, especially if your gym routine was nailed down to a tea. Reminding ourselves of all the positives during challenging and uncertain times can help us put into perspective and prompt us to continue staying active. 

EXERCISE CAN HELP TO MANAGE STRESS AND IMPROVE MOOD

Exercising can help to improve your physical health but also your mental health, which is equally important. Working out can help to deplete the body of its stress hormones, which can have a negative impact on your health. Every time you exercise, the body releases mood-enhancing chemicals. These endorphins are often called the happy hormones. Whether you are doing cardiovascular exercise or strength work, your body will produce these endorphins, so it’s one way to cope with stress that will help you feel better.

HELP TO IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION

Scientific studies have linked exercise to improved brain function and improvements in learning and memory. Endurance exercise has been shown to release a hormone called irisin, which has an impact on the brain, particularly the part controlling learning.

STAYING STRONG

Exercise strengthens all of the tissues in the body. As well as improving cardiovascular fitness, it builds muscles and connective tissue. It will improve your mobility, while also reducing your chance of injury.

A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

If you struggle to get to sleep at night, don’t despair because exercise can help with insomnia. If you exercise regularly, you may notice that your quality of sleep improves.

To stay healthy, the NHS recommends adults should try to be active every day and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities.

If your mental health is suffering please do not struggle alone. Ask for help and support. For more information go to Mental Health UK