Improving physical health can help your mental health

We all know that regular exercise is good for the body. Playing a sport, jogging, cycling or even just walking to work all have physical benefits. Now, there’s even further reason to get fit, with studies suggesting that physical health and regular exercise is also good for your mind! Recent research suggests that as little as 11 minutes of exercise a day can help to prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression.

“Regular exercise may help prevent and treat mental health conditions, as well as reducing the risk of developing depression and dementia as you get older.”

Regular exercise may help prevent and treat mental health conditions, as well as reducing the risk of developing depression and dementia as you get older. With one in five of us experiencing a mental health illness in any given year, there is no better time to dust off the runners, grab your active-wear and start hitting the gym!

Mental health benefits of exercise

• Gives you a feeling of more energy
• May reduce anxiety and creates a happier mood
• Encourages social interactions when joining group activities
• Helps to improve sleep
• Improves your self-confidence
• Gives you a goal to strive for
• May reduce stress levels
• Allows for calmer thinking patterns
• Allows you to concentrate for longer periods
• Improves your physical health, potentially replacing behaviours that are bad for your long-term physical health, e.g. smoking/alcohol
• Provides new experiences, and a distraction from negative thoughts
• Gives you a feeling of stronger resilience.

Ways to start doing more physical exercise

• Jogging around your local area
• Walking  on your lunch break
• Riding a bike to work
• Playing a sport
• Joining a gym
• Swimming at the beach or pool
• At-home workout videos online
• Fitness classes (HIIT, Yoga, Spin, Pilates, Crossfit, etc.)
• Hire a personal trainer
• Do more jobs around the garden (housework is also a great physical workout!)

If you need someone to talk to, MensLine Australia professional counsellors are here to provide information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call us on 1300 78 99 78 or access online counselling.