It's well known that exercise is important for our physical health, but exercise can also improve your #mentalhealth too.
For years now, I myself, have struggled with my mental health & this has really impacted the view I have of myself, my body and even my relationships.
Before I found my love for exercise, I struggled a lot with motivation, I didn't want to go out to the gym because I was worried about what others would think of me, but I also didn't have the energy because I was so exhausted from trying to deal with all of the stuff going on inside my head. Everything just seemed like a chore.
With the way the world has been for the past year, I think everybody has struggled with their mental health more than usual, and now that the world is slowly getting back to 'normal', I want to encourage & show women that, although exercise can make us look and feel good on the outside, exercise can play a huge part in improving our mental health, and how we feel on the inside, too!
How can physical activity help my mental health?
There are many studies which have shown that doing physical activity can improve mental health. For example, it can help with:
Better sleep – by making you feel more tired at the end of the day
Happier moods – physical activity releases feel-good hormones that make you feel better in yourself and give you more energy
Managing stress, anxiety or intrusive and racing thoughts – doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times.
Better self-esteem – being more active can make you feel better about yourself as you improve and meet your goals
Reducing the risk of depression – studies have shown that doing regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression
Connecting with people – doing group or team activities can help you meet new and like-minded people, and make new friends.
If you don’t have time for 15 or 30 minutes of exercise, or if your body tells you to take a break after 5 or 10 minutes, for example, that’s okay, too. Start with 5- or 10-minute sessions and slowly increase your time. The more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have, so eventually you’ll feel ready for a little more. The key is to commit to some moderate physical activity—however little—on most days. As exercising becomes a habit, you can slowly add extra minutes or try different types of activities. If you keep at it, the benefits of exercise will begin to pay off.
BE AWARE...
Physical activity isn't always helpful for everyone's mental health. For some people, physical activity can start to have a negative impact on their mental health, for example, if you have an eating problem or tend to over-train. In this instance, I would advise to seek a coach, a professional, who can give you the knowledge about training and eating and help you lead a balanced, happier, healthier lifestyle.
You don’t have to spend hours in a gym or force yourself into long, monotonous workouts to experience the many benefits of exercise. These tips can help you find activities you enjoy and start to feel better, look better, and get more out of life.
If you are interested in kick-starting an exercise habit, or want to try something new, I offer a range of classes within my VIP memberships & I also offer Low Impact classes that are perfect for ALL levels of fitness. Click here for more info.
Feel free to also contact me if you feel you're a-bit stuck & would like some online personal coaching.
Email: jasmineannefitness@gmail.com
Instagram: jasmineannefitness
