There are many ways that movement can help improve your mental health. Whether you are fighting depression, anxiety, or any other illness, combined with treatment under the care of a health professional, fitness can help lead the way to success. Here are some tips to get you moving and to improve your mental health.
All you need is a good pair of shoes and preferably a music device!
1) Walking – A simple stroll around the block can be a great way to improve your mood. Dare to step off the treadmill and into the great outdoors. It will help you get a bit of Vitamin D with your exercise. This is a great way to improve your heart health and to give you chance to calm your mind and think through your thoughts.
Try to aim for walking 30 minutes a day, and listen to some music or an audio book to pass the time.
2) Stretching – A regular yoga practice or even just a few stretches at your desk during work can help improve blood flow and keep your brain in check. You can check out a free yoga class on youtube.com, or you can just pick up a few stretches from any “workout on an airplane” routine that you can do at your desk.
3) Running – Even if you have never run before, running is a great way to calm an anxious mind. You can start out with a Couch to 5K, and then aim for a local 5 or 10K run. Run for 30 minutes a few times a week to help boost your overall health as well as your mental health.
You can track your progress with a running app, and compete against yourself. You may find you love it and end up running a marathon in a few years time.
4) Dancing – You don’t need to be a great dancer. Just turn on some of your favorite music, close your blinds, and dance around your room. Or if you have a gaming system, try a round of Dance Dance Revolution or Just Dance.
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