Imagine seeing this advertisement:
Free treatment available - effective for anxiety and depression
You’re in control - you choose the dose and how often you use it
Start as soon as you like
No need for prescription or GP appointment
Reduces risk of relapse
No side effects, although many participants report losing weight and sleeping better
How many people do you think would be keen to try it out?
Sounds too good to be true? This treatment does exist - it’s exercise.
Studies have shown that regular exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and that patients who are treated with exercise are less likely to relapse than those who take medication.
Often when I talk to people about exercise they get a mental picture of having to go to the gym (too expensive, too scary), or of seeing red-faced, sweaty people out for long exhausting runs or bike rides. This makes them feel that exercise is not for them. Whilst gyms or running or cycling are effective exercises you do not need any special equipment, clothing, fitness or knowledge to benefit from exercise, all you need is the ability to move some part of your body!
The scientific evidence for exercise helping shows us that any change that means you are moving your body more is going to be good. Whatever your level of fitness or activity now, your mental health will benefit from moving more. So you don’t need to suddenly take up running or join the gym, and you can think about what you would enjoy and feel able to manage.
When you are feeling depressed or anxious then it can feel too hard to exercise. Sometimes people tell me that they will start exercising when they feel better, without realising that the exercise itself is one of the keys to getting them better in the first place.
There are lots of alternatives and there really is likely to be something that would work for you. Walking, yoga, swimming, an exercise class, gardening, dancing, or playing a game like netball, rugby or football are all of benefit.
Some exercises offer other benefits too. We know that time spent outside in nature such as a walk is good for our mental health and our sleep rhythms. Doing something with others such as a team sport or exercise class helps us feel better by connecting us with others as well as exercising.
And what about the reduced risk of relapse? We think that is because exercise is under your control. Instead of feeling that you’ve got better because of some outside reason such as a medication, exercise gives you a sense of control - you have made yourself better. That feeling of having some control over your own mental health is really powerful.
So if you would like to feel happier, and healthier, have a think about whether there is some small change that you could make. Can you go outside today? Can you walk to the end of your road? Can you do a few stretches in the safety of your own home? Start small and build up, a little bit more each day. And enjoy feeling better.
If you’d like more advice on how to build exercise into your routine, or how you can safely start exercising again after a break then why not contact us at the health hub? We’d love to help you feel stronger, happier and healthier!
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