Exercise for Mental Health

With the local lockdown continuing it is more important then ever that you check in on your mental health. Exercise is a great way to help manage your mental health.

Mental illness is extremely common in Australia with 1 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 experiencing it every year. There are large amounts of evidence linking the positive effects that exercise can have on mental health.

The benefits of exercise can be attributed to chemical reactions in the human body, when more blood and oxygen is pumped around the body endorphins are released which are known as the body’s own antidepressant. The brain also releases serotonin which has been shown to decrease depression. Some of the benefits of exercise for the management of mental health include:

– Increased energy levels
– Improved memory and focus
– Improved sleep
– Social support and reduced loneliness
– Increased sense of self control and self esteem

So, what is the recommended type of exercise?
Guidelines recommend we complete at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day, this can be done over the day in short 10-15 increments or in one big block. There is no one recommended type of exercise for the management of mental health conditions. Therefore, your exercise physiologist will work with you to develop an individualised program catered towards your own conditions and goals.

Sometimes, the hardest step can be that first one. So, get in touch with our Accredited Exercise Physiologist today who can work with you to prescribe an individual exercise plan that is right for
your health.

Kaitlin Mott

Exercise Physiologist