Exercise, or rather movement, can have significant benefits for your mental health. It can improve your mood, relieve stress, and even reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is because physical activity stimulates the release of endocannabinoids, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. Even a single bout of movement can trigger an ‘exercise high’ and make you feel happier.
Parkrun is a great way to get involved in movement and improve your mental health. It’s a free, community-based event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Whether you run, walk, jog, or strut, parkrun can help you improve your physical and mental health, and make friends in the process.
When compared with inactive adults, those who undertook the recommended amount of physical activity (which is roughly the equivalent of 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week) had a 25% lower risk of depression. Even people who completed only half the recommended amount of walking per week still had an 18% reduction in depression.
I would therefore encourage everyone and anyone – whether you’re struggling with your mental health or not – to consider getting involved with the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which is movement. Feeling stressed? Take a stroll in the sunshine. Considering joining a gym? Think of ways to make that step easier. Go with a friend. Start at home with online strength videos. Look to form stepping stones that will get you to that eventual goal.
Or, if you’re looking for a community to support you around the clock, you’ll always be welcome at parkrun. Yes, you may feel a bit achy and sore the next morning or the morning after that, but this is part of the process of your body (and mind) getting stronger. Remember, if you feel significant or prolonged pain, always speak with a healthcare professional.
But no doubt you will feel better for at least trying to be active because at its core, physical activity is a medicine.
