Why Exercise can positively impact on your Mental Health

October is Mental Health month
Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative are giving away 1000 FREE QPR licenses ( Training in Suicide prevention techniques)
www.suicidepreventioncollaborative.org.au/QPR

To shed light on Mental Health we are sharing
7 days of how An Active Lifestyle can positively effect your Mental Health.
#wecaretoQPR

  1. Reduce stress. Rough day at work? Get moving with a quick workout. One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Working up a sweat can help manage physical and mental stress. Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. So go ahead and get sweaty, working out can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension. Win-win! A great class to try at Savvy to deal with Stress would be PUNCH , high intensity and who doesn’t love to get some aggression out on the pads, are we right ?
  2. Boost happy chemicals. Slogging through a few Km’s in a CYCLE class can be tough, but it’s worth the effort! Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed. For this reason, doctor’s sometimes recommend that people suffering from depression or anxiety (or those who are just feeling blue) pencil in plenty of Physical Activity. In some cases, exercise can be just as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression. Don’t worry if you’re not feeling blue , getting a happy buzz from working out for just 30 minutes a few times a week can instantly boost overall mood.
  3. Improve self-confidence. Participating in high intensity workouts like PUSH or FLY will not only make you look (and more importantly, feel) like a million bucks, but on a very basic level, physical fitness can boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image. Regardless of weight, size, gender, or age, exercise can quickly elevate a person’s perception of his or her attractiveness, that is, self-worth. How’s that for feeling the (self) love?
  4. Enjoy the great outdoors. For an extra boost of self-love, take that workout outside. Exercising in the great outdoors can increase self-esteem even more. Find an outdoor workout that fits your style, whether it’s running,trying a LIFT class ( weights) , or just taking part in a STRETCH class, all that Vitamin D acquired from soaking up the sun (while wearing sunscreen, of course!) can lessen the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms. Why book a spa day when a little fresh air and sunshine (and exercise) can work wonders for self-confidence and happiness?
  5. Prevent cognitive decline. It’s unpleasant, but it’s true, as we get older, our brains get a little…hazy. As aging and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s kill off brain cells, the Brain actually shrinks, losing many important functions in the process. While exercise and a healthy diet can’t “cure” brain related diseases, exercise can help shore up the brain against cognitive decline that begins after age 45. Working out, especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning. So if you aren’t a member or getting to classes with us yet …jump on our intro offer of $25 for 10 days!
  6. Alleviate anxiety. Quick Q&A: Which is better at relieving anxiety—a warm bubble bath or 20-minutes of high intensity training? You might be surprised at the answer. The warm and fuzzy chemicals that are released during and after exercise can help people with anxiety disorders to calm down. Getting to a (Savvy) Class for some moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise (intervals, anyone?) can reduce anxiety sensitivity. And we thought intervals were just a good way to burn calories!
  7. Increase relaxation. Ever hit the hay after a long run or weight session? For some, a moderate workout can be the equivalent of a sleeping pill, even for people with insomnia. Moving around five to six hours before bedtime raises the body’s core temperature. When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it signals the body that it’s time to sleep. A RUN session followed my STRETCH the next day anyone?