Exercise for Mental Health

While stable positive mental health is dependent on many variables, one of the easiest way to improve stability is through exercise. Although traditional forms of exercise (i.e. running, weight training, etc.) are not always easy to partake in, there are many ways that you can add in some form of activity in your daily life. You also do not need to exercise with a formal gym session – it can consist of short walks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

Here are some ways that can help you fit activity into your day:

• As noted above, take the stairs instead of the elevator

• Also as noted above, take short walks throughout the day instead of one long jog

• Find activities that you like to do if weights and running are not things you enjoy doing:

• Sports such as tennis, soccer, freerunning, martial arts, and more

• Dancing

• Playing with kids or pets

• Active cleaning

• Bike to work instead of driving

• If your job is sedentary, use a standing desk instead of sitting in a chair throughout your shift

We know that it can be difficult to find ways to exercise, but simply finding moments in your day in which you can choose standing over sitting, speed walking instead of walking, and more can help boost your heart rate and give you some benefits of exercise.

The benefits of exercise are immense including reducing stress, improving self-confidence, sharpening your memory, and much more. See the following infographic:

Thrive Counseling is here to help you create the best well-being for yourself so you can Thrive.