5 ways exercise improves your mental health

1. It releases feel-good hormones

You’ve probably heard of serotonin. It’s known as ‘the feel-good hormone’ because it helps to boost your mood and increase your sense of wellbeing. There are a host of ways you can trigger it – with sunlight, a massage or by eating tryptophan-rich foods – but exercise is one of the most commonly used because it’s so quick and easy. Try a workout that gets your heart rate up (like a boxing session with one of our trainers) to boost the flow of serotonin and experience those mood-elevating effects.

2. It enables better sleep

It makes sense that pushing your body to its limits is going to make you feel more tired. But, did you know? There are studies to back up your workout’s sleep-boosting benefits, too. It’s not just a case of wearing yourself out; according to the Sleep Foundation, the relaxing effects come down to how exercise impacts your body’s core temperature.

When you exercise, your ‘internal thermostat’ dials up a few degrees, but later in the day it drops, which triggers feelings of drowsiness. Experts recommend working out in the morning or the afternoon to see these effects, as the evening might not allow enough time for your temperature to readjust. As for how this improves your mental health, we all feel better after a good night’s sleep. While it might not eliminate your worries, a little extra rest can help you start your day on a more positive note.

3. It reduces depression

Researchers at the University College London found increasing physical activity from nothing to three workouts per week reduced depression by 20%. In fact, the NHS prescribes physical activity as a form of therapy, while the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends regular exercise for those suffering from mild to moderate depression.

4. It helps you manage stress

When you’re pumping iron or hitting a heavy bag, you’re directing your mental energy away from a rush of busy thoughts, helping to distract your mind from your day-to-day worries. But that’s not the only way exercise dials down stress. The Stress Management Society says that it also fulfils your body’s reflexive response to stressors.

Think of how you feel when you’re stressed. Does your heart rate quicken? This is because your adrenal glands are producing epinephrine, also known as ‘adrenaline’. At this point, your body is in a heightened state to react, and it expects some kind of physical activity as a form of release. That’s where exercise comes in. It’s a great way of utilising all that extra adrenaline you’ve built up. Just make sure the intensity is high, your focus is sharp and your movements are consistent.

5. It encourages teamwork

This is especially true with a personal trainer. One of the best things about working out is having a teammate to spur you on; someone who pushes you hard and celebrates your wins. The social ties you form can also inspire self-confidence, reducing any feelings you might have of isolation or loneliness.

Fitness tips for better mental health

• Try one-on-one training: If being in a busy gym makes you feel anxious, opt for one-to-one personal training. Having a ‘teammate’ in a private studio feels far less daunting, allowing you to focus on your fitness instead of those around you.

• Track your goals with weight training: There are many reasons we work out, and a sense of achievement is high on the list. Weight training is our go-to for that ‘crushed it’ feeling because there are so many easily measurable goals to set, like working with heavier weights or increasing reps.

• Talk to your trainer: Tell your Artisan PT trainer about what you hope to achieve from exercise, and we’ll find a routine that speaks to your mood, with a focus on feel-good, empowering workouts. We’ll also be able to recommend foods that benefit your mental health, so you can take a holistic approach to gaining a calmer mindset.