Mind Matters: Mental Health and Its Impact on Stroke Prevention

One thing we can all do for our mental health and well-being is to stay active. It is a natural mood enhancer. 

When we’re active, our body releases hormones that make us feel good, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve the quality of our sleep. There are plenty of free and affordable ways to exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels, including the 

Couch to 5K app and the Active 10 app. Anyone can use it.

Learn more about the mental health benefits of physical activity and ways to get your body moving. 

Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity: 

It is a scientific fact that regular physical activity and exercise can make us healthier and happier. 

When we’re active, our body releases feel-good hormones that can improve our mood and increase our energy.

Other benefits of exercise for mental health include: 

Increases self-esteem and confidence.

Motivation and concentration increases. 

Stress, anxiety, tension and mental fatigue are reduced. 

Helps calm the mind, especially when dealing with difficult emotions like anger, depression and anxiety. 

How to get active for your mental health: 

Move at your own pace: 

There are many ways to get active. You don’t have to be an athlete. Find a fun way to move your body that suits your daily habits, health condition, and lifestyle. 

Different activities have different effects, so think about what works for you. For example, yoga can be effective in dealing with anxiety, and running can help manage stress. 

There are many things you can do right away without any tools. If you want to try something new at home, there are plenty of free online classes. 

If you want to get outside and have fun, make new friends and feel less lonely, look for local walking clubs or gyms that offer group activities. 

Stick with it: 

Setting goals will motivate you to stay active. For example, use a pedometer to see your daily step count and set higher goals for the next week. 

Be realistic about your goals. If you set yourself difficult goals that are difficult to achieve, you may feel like giving up. Set small achievable goals and increase them over time at your own pace. And celebrate achieving each goal you set for yourself. 

Don’t give up if you feel like giving up. Look at your break as an opportunity to find what works for you and start moving forward again. Try something more fun. 

Take feel-good hormones regularly: 

If possible, it’s a good idea to exercise regularly. This means taking regular doses of the feel-good hormones produced during activity to help you feel better. Understanding the benefits of being active can help you stay motivated and stick to a routine. 

Research shows that regular exercise may be a more effective treatment than antidepressants for some people with mild depression.

Use physical activity to reduce stress: 

Physical activity is a great way to avoid anxiety and stress. Just a few minutes of physical activity can make a big difference to your mental health. We often accumulate negative emotions in our body, but we can get rid of them simply by shaking, stretching and swinging our body. 

If you’re short on time, a brisk walk before, during or after work can also help you take a mental break from the daily grind. Invite a friend or family member to go on a walk with you. If you want to be more sociable or want to express something, talking while walking can be effective. 

Get outside or try an eco-friendly gym:

Spending time in nature improves your mental health, so be active outside. Taking a short walk, run, or bike ride can improve your mood and reduce or eliminate feelings of anxiety and worry. If possible, try to choose new paths through nature. Try some mindfulness techniques while walking. Pay close attention to the world around you, what you see, hear, touch and smell. 

If you live near a park with outdoor training equipment, why not stop by These can be found at many parks and venues. Gardening is also a great way to stay active. If you don’t have outdoor space, try a “green gym.” These are free outdoor volunteer sessions that give you the chance to get outside more, learn gardening skills and meet people. Available throughout the UK.

Know when to rest: 

Even a little exercise can improve the quality of your sleep. Remember to hydrate and rest at least 1-2 hours after exercise and before sleeping. Also, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. This will give you better sleep and your sleep quality will also improve. 

Rest, relaxation and quality sleep have a huge impact on our mental health, making us feel in control and improving our focus. Plus, if you feel well rested, you’re more likely to want to be active the next day. 

Every step is important:

Developing new habits can be difficult, but don’t let that discourage you. Everyone starts somewhere. Remember that every minute of what you are doing counts. You’re not in competition with anyone (including yourself) and big changes often start with small steps. 

Always go at your own pace and listen to your mind and body. If you have health problems or are taking medication, make sure you are doing what is right for you. If in doubt, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise or activity.

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