People who struggle with low moods and anxiety are often urged to exercise, but if you are not already a habitual gym bunny, this advice can be daunting. As you are already likely to be at a low ebb emotionally, and lacking in energy and concentration, the thought of taking up exercise can be off-putting.
However, exercise doesn’t have to mean donning tight lycra and expensive trainers, and jumping around with a classful of people who all seem to be much fitter and more coordinated. There are some very simple ways to exercise which have been proven to promote good mental health.
Simply putting on some comfortable shoes and going for a walk in the fresh air can make a huge difference to your mood. Daylight is scientifically proven to boost mood and wellbeing, so if you can, go in the morning or middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Start with just 15 minutes each time, and gradually build up to longer walks.
You can also vary your pace, by setting goals to walk more briskly for a few minutes at a time, to gently raise your heart rate and get you slightly out of breath. If you live in a hilly area, take advantage of this by challenging yourself to walk up slopes regularly.
Some simple yoga or pilates stretches can give you a wonderful light feeling as your muscles let go of built-up tightness and tension. There’s no need to join a class or buy expensive gear, although an exercise mat will make floor work more comfortable. There are lots of free sessions available online, so why not do a quick search and try a few basic stretches?
If you are relatively fit, running is the ultimate stress-buster, and can either be done for free outdoors or on a treadmill at the gym. Those feel-good endorphins will still be surging around your body for hours afterwards, and you are likely to sleep better, which in turn leads to an improved sense of wellbeing.
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