Keeping active can be a great way of helping to manage depression, anxiety and stress

Clients often say to me that coming to my classes and more recently through Mummy Bootcamp @ Home, has helped them manage or beat their depression as well as helping them with their stress levels and anxiety.

There has been a fair bit of research on this topic:

• Regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of people developing depression. And people who don’t take part in physical activity are more likely to have depression symptoms compared to those who do.
• Regular aerobic and strength-training activities of light or moderate intensity can result in up to a 50 per cent reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially for women and older people.

Exercising can help to :

• Lift your mood
• Get a better night sleep
• Give you more energy and feel less tired
• Give you more of a positive frame of mind and distract you from any worries, negative thoughts you might have
• increase your social contact with others

How does it help?

• It pumps up your endorphins – the feel good hormones – Exercise helps to increase the production of your brains ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters, also known as endorphins. It has also been called ‘runners high’! But any exercise, swimming, hiking, playing a game of basketball will give you a similar effect.
• Exercise can decrease the stress hormone ‘cortisol’
• Have you ever tried boxing? It is a great way to get rid of your frustrations – it’s a great way to release any negative emotions in a positive, strengthening way while increasing your health & fitness
• Meditation while on the move – after exercising you may find that you have forgotten what causes your stress, or what has been annoying you. With this, you may find that you can focus easier on tasks, giving you more energy and optimism, help you remain calm and clear about the things you do. It’s a great way to clear your mind, especially when exercising outdoors – usually low stress places – park, beach, mountains etc
• Your mood will improve – it can increase the confidence you have in yourself and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. As mentioned above it can also help with improving your sleep.
• It will help you lose weight, tone up and feel great about yourself. With this effect you will become more confident – a great stress reliever for anyone that is concerned with their appearance.
• Research  as also suggested that those who get more exercise may become less affected by stress. So exercise may supply some immunity towards future stress as well as dealing with current stress. What a great way to get moving!