A healthy mind is a happy mind – Using exercise to positively boost mental health

We all know that taking part in exercise can help to improve our physical and mental wellbeing, but how often do we really consider just how much we can boost our mood through working out?

Why?

When we exercise, not only does your body release chemicals called endorphins which trigger positive feelings, but as your heart rate rises the body pumps more blood to the brain. This surge of blood means more oxygen and energy which makes our brains perform better.

Feeling physically fit and well also gives us a huge mental boost and it’s more important than ever to look after our mental wellbeing.

A healthy mind really is a happy mind and improving mental health through exercise is a lot easier than it might sound.

Mould your workout to benefit your mind too

Have you ever given High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) a go? Alongside the physical benefits that this kind of training can bring about, it turns out its great for mental health too.

HIIT workout routines are short and easy to follow so you can squeeze in these mood-boosting bursts without scheduling your whole day around it.

Have you tried out any of Sport Aberdeen’s HIIT sessions on YouTube?

Not only will HIIT sessions vastly improve cardiovascular health, but it can help to balance hormones, key to this is its power to stimulate happy hormones including serotonin.

Reduce stress and anxiety

A study reported that HIIT workouts can alter your brain by boosting a protein called BDNF, which is involved in regulating brain function and mood. Low levels of BDNF are associated with depression. This suggests that HIIT can help with mood regulation and increased brain function, a win-win workout.

Read up on more benefits of HIIT here.

Namas-yey

When you take part in yoga, your brain releases different chemicals that not only help you relax but also lower your stress and anxiety levels including dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, each of which functions in its own way to help you feel better. The perfect way to restore body and mind.

Read more about how yoga can positively impact your mood and mind here.

Get active @ Home with Sport Aberdeen and give your mental health a much-needed boost

Our Get active @ home hub has a range of free online resources available, including on demand HIIT and Yoga classes, which mean that even if you can’t make it out to a class once gyms reopen you can still reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise.