HEALTHY MIND
Physical activity can be very beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing too. Being physically active can help us feel good. To stay healthy, adults should try to be active daily and aim to do 150 minutes of physical activity over a week.
As we become fitter, our bodies can better regulate our cortisol levels. Cortisol is a ‘stress hormone’ that our bodies release in response to anxiety.
It can also improve your quality of sleep, provide you with more energy, give you a greater sense of calm and increase your self-esteem.
Overcoming barriers
“I’m too tired or often have no energy”
Having a mental health problem (or taking medication) can make you feel tired, disrupt sleep and drain energy levels. Feeling low can also dampen your desire to do the things you enjoy, which can make it even harder to get up and go. Work with your highs and lows. For example, if you’re not a morning person don’t go for early morning sessions, and avoid times when the side effects of your medication may be a problem. Start off small, and build up your activity levels at a pace that works for you. Even small amounts of activity can give you a natural energy boost – and remember that exercise can help you sleep better.
“I’m not a sporty person”
You might feel uneasy about entering a gym or have bad memories of sport from PE in school, but being physically active doesn’t have to be about high impact sport or exercise. There are lots of activities you can do as part of We Move, She Moves in your local community. Holistic classes can make you aware of your senses such as our Yoga and Pilates classes to lengthen and strengthen your body and reconnect mind and body. Dance classes can be a fun alternative to structured exercise and give you all the benefits of a good workout. We have Golden Dance Fit, Aqua Zumba, Clubbercise and Popdance as part of We Move, She Moves, so there’s something for everyone.
Read more about the impact of physical activity on the body here.
