Benefits of Increasing Daily Movement (2)

Incorporating more movement into your daily life isn’t just about improving physical fitness; it also has numerous benefits for your mental health. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and neurotransmitters that act as natural mood lifters. Additionally, more daily movement can improve sleep quality and duration, leading to better overall mental and physical well-being. Exercise can also boost self-esteem and confidence as you achieve personal fitness goals and experience the positive effects of exercise. Furthermore, physical activity can also increase cognitive function and mental clarity, making it easier to concentrate, problem-solve, and manage daily tasks.

Easy Ways to Incorporate More Movement:

1. Take Active Breaks

Instead of remaining sedentary for long periods, make it a habit to take short active breaks throughout your day. Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up, stretch, or take a quick walk around your home or office. These brief moments of movement can help boost circulation, increase energy levels, and reduce feelings of fatigue and stress.

2. Walk Whenever Possible

Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of physical activity, and it can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Whenever possible, choose to walk instead of driving or taking public transportation. Whether it’s walking to the grocery store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going for a stroll during your lunch break, every step counts towards improving your mental and physical well-being.

3. Engage in Household Chores

Believe it or not, household chores can be an excellent way to get moving and burn calories while also accomplishing necessary tasks. Turn on some music and make cleaning, vacuuming, gardening, or doing laundry a fun and active experience. Not only will you feel a sense of satisfaction from completing your chores, but you’ll also benefit from the mood-boosting effects of physical activity.

4. Incorporate Desk Exercises

If you have a desk job that requires long hours of sitting, it’s important to find ways to break up periods of inactivity. Incorporate simple desk exercises into your workday, such as leg lifts, seated twists, or shoulder stretches. These exercises can help improve circulation, alleviate muscle tension, and enhance mental clarity, all of which contribute to better overall mental health.

5. Make Movement a Social Activity

Instead of meeting friends for coffee or dinner, why not plan activities that involve physical movement? Invite friends or family members to go for a hike, bike ride, or outdoor yoga session together. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of exercise, but you’ll also strengthen your social connections, which are essential for maintaining good mental health.

Take Away Message

The most important thing is to find habits that work for you. If you hate an activity or find it too difficult, you are unlikely to remain consistent. Consistent small habits can have a lot more impact than sporadic, more intense, exercise. Developing habits can take time and change rarely happens overnight. Be kind to yourself and keep pushing forward.

If your mental health is affecting your daily functioning, please visit your GP. More mental health information and resources can be found at dorsetmind.uk. In a crisis, please call 999 or The Samaritans at 116 123.

References:

1. Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation
2. Be active for your mental health – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)