Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body, but exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health.

Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, memory, sleep and overall mood.  No matter what your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better and stronger.

Exercise is not just about muscle size, physique and aerobic capacity.  Staying active and exercising regularly gives an enormous sense of well being, increases energy levels, sharpens the memory and helps to make us more relaxed and have a greater self-esteem, and a more positive attitude towards life.

Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication, without the side effects.  Research also shows that maintaining a regular exercise schedule may help prevent relapse.

Exercise promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reducing inflammation and new activity patterns that encourage feelings of well being.  It reduces endorphins, powerful chemicals that energise your spirit and gives a feel-good factor.

Physical activity immediately boosts the brains dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin levels, affecting focus and attention.

It can also be a distraction from negative thoughts and the worries of everyday life – which we all go through at some point or another.

Focusing the mind on what is happening to the body when we exercise gives even greater positive results. 

Notice the swing of your arms, the sensation of feet hitting the ground, the wind on your skin.  Add this mindfulness element – really focussing on your body and how it feels as you exercise – this really can help your nervous system.

Walking, running, swimming, dancing all involve cross movement of the body and engage both arms and legs, and raise your heart rate.

Joining a group, club or making exercise a social activity is a great way to stay motivated, feel part of the community, meet new friends AND makes exercising more fun.

See you on Sunday 5th July 2020 at the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run – a perfect day to have fun, socialise, exercise and look after YOUR mental health and well being!