4 of the Best Exercises For Mental Health

There is no getting away from the fact that exercise can help our overall health, mental health, and well-being. Exercise and being active can help to boost mood, as well as reduce stress and to cause more anxiety. In fact, there was a study that found that increasing how much you exercise from nothing, to then doing something at least three times a week, helped to reduce depression for those individuals, by around 30%. So if you are looking to boost your mental health, then exercise is the thing for you. While there are things that different people will prefer, here are some exercises to try, for a well-being boost. 

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Running

If you need some motivation, then running could be the thing for you. This isn’t about pounding your feet on the treadmill inside a gym, but about being outdoors and having a clarity of mind that comes from exercise and running. It can be a real natural antidepressant. It can also be a social activity if you join a group, and it can be really powerful if you set some running goals to achieve, such as competing in a 5k or 10k race; you can get such a confidence boost when you set a goal, and are then able to tick it off. 

Boxing

We all know, or can imagine, that hitting a punching bag is a great way to relieve some stress and anger. If your mental health often presents itself in anger or stress, then having a healthy outlet for it can be something that is as healing as it is empowering. It can be such an endorphin boost, and there are many places around you that will offer boxing (or you can do something like this in your own home).

Yoga

There is one main reason why yoga can help us to cope better and to deal with our mental health, and that is because it is a way to bring together body and mind. Yoga, at the surface level, can look a little too calm and relaxed to make a difference. But when it is continued practice and a focus on breath and movement, it can help to reduce stress, strengthen your body, as well as help your nervous system. There are many different types of yoga, from aerial to hot yoga, but it is all about creating balance and helping your body and mind in a holistic way. If you’ve never tried it before, then now could be the time. You could even look up the top 20 yoga gifts for men and women that you could add to your wish list for the holidays. It is worth a try.

Spin classes

These days, if you’ve ever been to a spin class, it can feel like a club with the loud music and bright flashing lights. Even some instructors will choreograph a routine to music, which makes it fun and unlike any other forms of exercise. It can be a great way to clear your mind, as all you can focus on is the cycling, so it can help anxiety and stress.