Exercise can be a great way to lift your mood and improve your ability to deal with stress.
When you exercise, your body often feels more relaxed and calm, but there are mental health benefits also.
How exercise improves your mood
When you engage in high-intensity exercise, your body and brain produce hormones and neurotransmitters that have a positive impact on your mood, memory, energy levels, and sense of wellbeing.
Some of these are known as endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals. They can result in the ‘runner’s high’ that joggers talk about. We see this all the time and our clients experience it every day. When you exercise it is so important to be mindful, there is a genuine link between mind and body (as we mention a lot in our seminars) and this is heightened when you exercise.
More exercise isn’t necessarily going to make you happier, and as with anything, it’s possible to overdo it. For example, one of the benefits of exercise is that it stimulates cortisol production, which can help with memory and alertness. On the other hand, too much cortisol can have negative effects on your body and your mood. It is a balancing act and that is why we recommend a structured approach to exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
When it comes to exercise, it’s crucial that you pick something you enjoy. Cardiovascular exercise is great, but if you hate swimming or running, you won’t stick with it. And when an activity is more enjoyable, chances are better for long-term adherence.
Make it fun!
For your exercise routine, you might try a mix of solitary activities like walking, swimming, or gardening, combined with some group activities like high-intensity interval training classes or periodic group hikes or bike rides. In addition to the physical and endorphin benefits of exercise, another potential benefit of exercise is the opportunity for social interaction, which can often boost your mood just as much.
After a good workout, your muscles are tired, but you feel more relaxed. You may also feel a sense of accomplishment, which boosts your self-confidence and improves your sense of wellbeing. Thanks to your workout, the pent-up tension and stress in your muscles and your mind are reduced.
Theme it!
Make sure that every session has this theme:
- Warm-up – Prepare the body
- Main content – Suitable for you. In line with your goals and enjoyable.
- Cool-down – Mixture of low-level exercise and stretches.
They are all as important as each other and will ensure your session is safe and effective.