28 Mar The benefits of regular exercise on mental wellbeing

One of the easiest ways to improve your mood and overall mental wellbeing is through regular exercise. It can be as simple as making a commitment to go a daily walk in your local area.  

However, I do also recommend adding in some form of exercise that gets your heart rate up too. I personally like a combination of weight training to keep my strength up and yoga to maintain my flexibility and mental health.  

If you’re new to exercise, or maybe haven’t in a while, then start slowly – maybe aim for 2 workouts a week and gradually build it up to 3 or 4.  

Just about any form of movement will count towards your weekly exercise, so if the gym isn’t for you then don’t stress. There are literally hundreds of options for you to choose from.  

Fitness classes, group sports, jogging, cycling, Pilates, dancing…  just to name a few. 

Even though exercising will take some extra time out of your week, you’ll have more energy, and you should be more productive and alert meaning more efficient use of your time! 

If you’re still working from home, then maybe try to add in a daily lunchtime walk – especially as the weather is getting better in the run up to summer. Fresh air and some movement will also help with that afternoon post lunch slump most of us experience! 

Getting into a routine of consistent exercise takes some time and effort, but once it’s part of your life, you’ll always be able to find time for it.  

How to start: 

Step 1: Make an action plan 

• E.G. Set a daily step goal, and plan times for workouts/fitness classes/sport 

Step 2: Implement the plan 

• E.G. Make a conscious effort to stick to your action plan 

Step 3: Evaluate 

• E.G. After the first 2 or 3 weeks evaluate your progress… are you missing workouts because you’re tired after work? Maybe try the occasional morning or weekend workout instead? Are you enjoying the form of exercise you’ve chosen? If not, maybe get an introductory pass for a gym or studio you’ve seen advertised and give it a try? 

Staying active shouldn’t be a chore so if you’re not enjoying exercise then it could just be that you’ve not found the right form for you. It’s so easy to get sucked into the power of social media and the current trendy workouts, but if you don’t enjoy them then don’t do them.  

At the end of the day, you’re more likely to stick with exercise if you do what you enjoy, so take some time figuring it out and don’t be scared to try different things.