Starting on Monday 8th May it’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year is ‘Surviving or thriving?’
It is focusing on good mental health being more than just the absence of mental health problems but the capacity of each us to feel, think and act in ways that enable us to really enjoy life – ‘Live life to the Full’ as we often talk about her at Bingley Physio – and deal with the stresses and challenges everyday life brings.
There is lots of evidence to say that exercise can be a big factor in making us feel better. Here are a few key points from a piece of research on how Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms.
Regular exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:
- Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters, endorphins)
- Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression.
Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of physical activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — may make a difference. It may take less time exercising to improve your mood when you do more-vigorous activities, such as running or bicycling.
The mental health benefits of exercise and physical activity may last only if you stick with it over the long term — another good reason to focus on finding activities that you enjoy.
BUT
the hardest part is getting started…taking that step to start something new on a regular basis, keep it going when you’re finding it tough. Building new, good, healthy habits into your life. Believe me, I know…. but I’ve learnt a few things recently that I’d like to share with you that may help. There are no magic pills… but there are a few simple things that might just make the difference.
Over this week (and weeks to come) we will be posting more information about how to build good habits.
And remember- start small, steady and be consistent
– the tortoise won the race NOT the hare.
