We all know how important it is to stay fit and healthy , and we know it keeps us feeling stronger and leaner. This became evident during our extended lockdowns when our movements were restricted and suddenly what we had previously taken for granted was now something we craved rather than loathed. We craved it for mental clarity, and relief from the stress of the current situation. It may be a simple as a walk in the park, barefoot yoga in the garden or hills sprints with a friend… but how good did you feel after it?
You may have heard of ‘runners high’ a well documented endorphin fuelled phenomenon and it’s not just running around the park that gives you this amazing high. A study by researches at University College London found that increasing activity levels from nothing to taking part in 3 exercise sessions a week, reduced the risk of depression by around 20%.
If three sessions sounds unachievable, don’t worry, just starting with one each week will have a profound impact on your mood and as you gain fitness and confidence your mind and body will crave more. Trust us, the endorphin high does become rather addictive!
Try a few of these activities to boost your mood and put a smile on your dial….
🏃🏽Walking
The simplest is often the best. Get out in nature and put one foot in front of the other, don’t over think it just get going and discover a new part of your neighbourhood, or meet a friend a few blocks away and walk and talk. The simple act of your feet hitting the ground keeps you grounded and gets you out of your thinking head and back into your body, just like a moving meditation.
🏃🏽Yoga
Probably a little obvious, we all admire the zen qualities of a yogi and it’s something we can all achieve. Join a class or find a YouTube, there are endless classes online and plenty of style to suit all levels. If you’re after something gentle and relaxing look for Yin Yoga, if you want to stretch and sweat then Vinyasa Flow is for you. The key with yoga is to focus on your breath and stay present in the moment, don’t skip the meditation at the end, it’s the whole point of the class.
🏃🏽Swimming
This one has been a bit challenging in lockdowns, but as the pools begin to open up again and the weather warms up, grab your bathers and goggles and jump back in. Swimming is great to for those struggling with sore knees or hips, its weight bearing and soothing on the soul. If you really want to feel invigorated then try ocean swimming. Join a group of open water swimmers and brave the chilly morning waters, these fellow swimmers are more about socialising with like-minded people than about serious competitive training. You’ll see them chatting as they pull on caps, adjust goggles and tip toe into the bay, all shapes and sizes and abilities.
🏃🏽HIIT Workout
High intensity exercise is actually known for increasing stress levels in the body, however, as you get used to this surge in cortisol and adrenaline your body begins to adapt to this, and it learns to cope and become more resilient over time. Therefore, you in turn learn to adapt better to stressful situations in daily life.
Once again there is the bonus of the endorphin hit that many of us crave so much. You also have to focus on each exercise and the technique required, which gets you out of your thinking head and focussing on your body and breathing. You are now operating ‘in the moment’ and there is no room for stress and anxiety.
Taking a bit of mental time out can be the greatest reward of getting moving and exercising.