Mental Health Awareness Week

There is a huge emphasis on wellbeing and particularly emotional or mental wellbeing. Awareness campaigns are now in every nook and cranny of everyday life. Billboards and posters in GP surgeries, social media posts and Reels, plus charity or community events. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the focus is on ‘Movement.’ As a counsellor, I am an advocate of promoting physical activity as it can be instrumental in creating a positive impact upon all aspects of our wellbeing.

We are all familiar with the benefits of exercise on our physical self, but can it really have a positive impact upon our emotional or mental wellbeing?

The benefits of physical activity:

1. Reduces anxiety and stress levels, specifically targeting the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol can impact negatively and exacerbate existing anxiety.
2. Improves sleep and sleep quality, helping reduce daily fatigue.
3. Increases energy levels, which aids in boosting alertness, motivation and productivity.
4. Improves symptoms of depression or low-mood, increasing levels of another important chemical – serotonin. This is known as ‘the natural mood booster’ with low levels linked to depression. This also plays a key role in sleep and is a natural ‘feel-good’ chemical that helps us feel calmer.
5. Increases serotonin levels, which can then boost self-esteem alongside a sense of achievement or accomplishment when completing an activity.

When referring to physical activity or exercise, I am not suggesting that training for marathons or extreme sports are the route to feeling great. Embarking on a fitness regime is also not about trying to prove yourself to, or compete, with others. Incorporating just a few minutes into a daily routine can work wonders. 

And take it slow. Gradually build up fitness levels and have achievable or realistic goals and ultimately, find an activity that you enjoy. Or maybe try a variety – there’s lots out there. There are an abundance of exercise and fitness activities, and these can be individual or group, undertaken at home or at a designated place. And yes, joining classes may create some anxiety but perhaps joining with a friend may help and then there is the added benefit of being with others. Social connectedness is another determinant that can aid with mental health. Routine is key to creating a new physical health plan, we all love routine and once embedded into our daily lifestyle, it will be there to stay – it’s all about creating habits.

Before embarking on any fitness journey, please do check with health advisors or instructors before taking up a new activity. Particularly if there are any impacting physical health conditions or if you are new to exercise, or have not exercised in a while. 

Above all else, physical activity does need to be enjoyable, so get up, go out or stay in, but have fun. Smiling is good for the mind 🙂