How exercise can help with your mental health

We’ve all heard that exercise makes us feel happy, thanks to endorphins – a group of hormones released in the body during physical activity that trigger positive feelings.

And it’s not just that post workout glow; studies show that regular exercise can help us to feel happier throughout the day, and is even prescribed as a treatment for illnesses such as depression.

Exercise can also help us to create a routine during long lockdown days, which again has been shown to offer benefits to our wellbeing.

The key to reaping those feel-good rewards? It’s all about how we exercise, finding something that works for both us and our environment.

Firstly, what kind of exercise do you like to do?

No one is going to be feeling happy after dragging themselves through a workout that doesn’t appeal to them.

Now, that’s not to say that exercise shouldn’t be challenging – often, victory over a tough session provides even more feel-good vibes – but it needs to be something that you enjoy in some way, shape or form.

If you’re not sure what you like, try a few different types of movement. You may love the adrenaline-rush of jumping about in a Zoom HIIT class, or keeping calm and controlled following a programme of resistance-based exercises.

Think outside the box, too – an aerobics or dance class could be your thing, and now is the perfect time to try as so many teachers and studios are offering online classes that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

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Read more: How to keep active at home

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Who you do your exercise with can also be a big part of that enjoyment factor – yes, even in isolation!

Some of us like to get our workout done alone, especially if we’re very busy with family or work at home, using that time to get some much-needed headspace.

Others prefer to be part of a community, attending group classes to find motivation and positive social interaction away from the stressors of daily life.

A lot of us may feel both of these at different times, depending on how our week is going and how our mental health is doing on any given day.

Finding a gym or studio that offers both is a great way to build flexibility into your routine, allowing you to do whichever you need the most.

Here at F45 Bristol Central, we currently run livestream classes two to three times a day, allowing members to interact with their coach and their friends from class via webcam throughout the workout, as well as a daily recorded workout that can be done alone at any time.

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When we’re having one of those days, even getting into our gym clothes can be a challenge in itself.

Wanting to exercise is easy when we’re feeling good, but when we’re feeling down, stressed or anxious, our motivation often slips – especially when the sofa is calling.

My final tip is to make your home exercise routine as easy and as accessible as possible.

Experts recommend that three to five sessions of 45 minutes per week is ideal for promoting good mental health, along with our daily walks.

Plan in advance what you’re going to do, and when – that way, you don’t have to deal with decision-making when that alarm goes off.

Booking into online classes is perfect for this; not only do you have a specific time and place to be, but also all the exercises and timings are planned for you – you just need to turn up.

And no need to worry if you don’t have any gym equipment to hand, as most instructors are giving suggestions for items around your home that you can use to add resistance.

Knowing that, even when things are tough, you can rely on your routine sometimes makes all the difference to our wellbeing.

Using some of that time at home to do an activity that’s guaranteed to make you feel happier can help you to better tackle the rest of your day – whatever comes your way.

Jess Brown is head coach at F45 Bristol Central. If you would like to know how F45 can help you stay fit at home, visit www.f45training.co.uk/bristolcentral

Main photo: JMP

Read more: How to keep active at home