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A lot of academic studies have found, and shown, that there is a direct positive correlation between exercise and mental health. It allows you to fall asleep faster by making you physically tired, it reduces the risk of depression by releasing certain hormones within your brain, and it allows you to connect with other individuals who you would not have met under alternative circumstances.
One study found that running for only 15 minutes per day (or walking for 30 minutes per day) reduces the risk of depression by 26%, and it was due to changes to the brain such as the specific hormones mentioned earlier, which are Endorphins (the ‘feel-good’ hormones). The brain also physically changes as it is seen to display an increase in neural growth in those who regularly workout, in other words, the brain is able to work more efficiently and create new pathways without hassle.
You have probably noticed that when you are stressed, you can physically feel uncomfortable, well exercise can help that. Exercise, no matter what kind, will relax the muscles and release the tension cause by the increase in stress. This is often why people go for a run, or go to the gym, after work! They understand that they are going to feel a lot better afterwards, compared to if they just go home and sit down.
To start implementing exercise into your everyday/ weekly routine, Helpguide says this;
· Start Small (make sure that whatever you are going to do is not going to be too hard to achieve, wanting to run an Iron Man Triathlon is not achievable without some serious training).
· Schedule Workouts When Your Energy Is Highest (some people feel best before they go to work, others feel their best just before going to bed, find your time and stick to it).
· Focus on Activities You Enjoy and Be Comfortable (if you prefer running over going to the gym, then do so, do not force yourself to do something which you will want to give up on)
· Reward Yourself (popular choices include a bubble bath, a delicious smoothie or just one more episode of your favourite TV series).
· Make It a Social Activity (as stated above, exercise can introduce you into new social hubs. So join a club, or invite your friends to do it with you).
Ultimately, if you know that you are suffering with mental illness, please do reach out.
Samaritans: 116 123
Mind: 0300 123 3393
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