Keeping your mind and body fit

We often think of mental and physical health as two separate things, but the truth is, they are very closely linked. When we feel good physically, we tend to feel more positive and better about life – it is important to keep your mind and body fit.

Things that can be good for our physical health can also have a hugely positive impact on our mental health. Keeping active is a very powerful tool for doing this. We are all aware that exercise can improve physical health by making us stronger and reduce the risk of certain diseases. What is less known is that exercise can improve our mental wellbeing; how we feel and our ability to cope with the stresses of day-today life.

What is it about exercise that makes us feel good?

When we exercise, chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins are released which help to naturally stabilise and lift our mood and improve our sleep.

Regular exercise can increase our energy levels throughout the day and even enhance our ability to learn and memorise new things. On top of this, doing physical activity can give us a huge sense of achievement and help us to discover new interests and meet new people.

Often many of us hear the word exercise and panic, thinking we should be running marathons or lifting unearthly weights at the gym, but this isn’t the case!

Exercise can be anything that gets us moving; from doing our weekly shop or cleaning the house to dancing or going for a walk. No matter our age or fitness level, we can all seek the benefits of exercise.

By improving your physical health, it should help with improving your mood and wellbeing!

Need extra support?

We’re here to help. We are still accepting referrals during the current pandemic. We offer the following services:

• Talking Therapies (IAPT) – Short-term support for when you experience difficult emotions, such as, low mood, worry and stress
• Peer Support – Wellbeing workshops, one-to-one peer support, peer support groups, social activities and peer support training with other people who have had similar experiences to you
• Employment – Advice and support to gain and retain paid employment, improve your employability skills and know your rights in the workplace
• Navigators – Practical support with a range of issues including benefits, debt, housing options, access to health and social care services and support to access specialist advice and information
• Self-Care – Support and activities that help you to take care of your own mental, emotional and physical wellbeing

This story ‘Keep your mind and body fit’ was originally published in the Winter 2020 Community Living Well magazine. It has been edited for website purposes. Subscribe today to receive mental health and wellbeing tips straight to your inbox, four times a year!

Refer to the Community Living Well service here.

Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 24th September 2020