Blog

This week the world will focus on mental health. It seems to be dominating many headlines these days and it makes us wonder whether it is just a fad topic or is it really hitting critical levels in society. According to statistics 1 in 6 adults in the UK suffer from ongoing mental health problems and this is said to be escalating by more than 2 million more adults in the next 10 years. This seems like an epidemic that is not slowing down.

Cause and effect

There are many different thoughts as to why mental health has become so prominent, some say it is to do with media, more coverage of a previously ‘taboo’ subject, but many professionals are putting it down to our modern-day lives. We walk less, eat worse and take less care of our physical selves. Our bodies and minds are not separate entities and one will always affect the other.

Spending too much time in front of screens and on our phones may seem like an obvious problem but what many people don’t understand is what is happening to our mental health whilst we waste our lives away on the internet. We spend hours scrolling through posts and pictures of colleagues, friends and people we don’t even knows idyllic lifestyles as we lose time putting that effort into our own. It makes us feel guilty, worthless and unmotivated. These feelings can cause depression, anxiety and stress.

How can exercise help

Exercise does help us get fit and feel better about ourselves physically. What is does to the mind is even more remarkable. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins and dopamine which makes us happy and combats depression. How exercise can also help our minds is by:

• Lowering stress
• Increase blood flow
• Increase heartrate
• Release Endorphins
• Increase adrenaline

When you are exercising you are not only increasing the ‘happy’ chemicals in your body but by increasing heartrate, adrenaline and blood flow you are training your body that these can be good feelings instead of bad ones that can cause anxiety.

The NHS recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise for an adult 19-64. It is important to always get clearance from your GP first before you start any kind of exercise changes from your normal routine.

Read more about other ways to help with mental health issues

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/

Finding time to work out is tough but once you get into it, you won’t look back. We can help you get started with our variety of cardio machines and helpful staff. Contact Us