October is recognised as Mental Health month throughout a number of Australian states. Here in Queensland, we celebrate Mental Health Week between 8-16th of October. Mental Health Week is an annual awareness initiative that promotes individual and community mental health and well-being and boosts the awareness of mental illness prevalence within the community.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to one’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It influences the way we think, feel and act. It impacts the way we process stress, make choices, and interact with others. Mental health is important throughout all stages of life and is influenced by biological factors such as genes and brain chemistry, life experiences such as trauma, and family history.
Research suggests exercise is beneficial for managing poor mental health. Exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. It is an excuse to get outside, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation and putting you in touch with other people. Regular exercise is proven to reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety contributing to helping achieve recovery from mental health issues.
How Does Exercise Play A Role in Mental Health?
Exercise pumps blood to the brain which helps you think clearly. It increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. It increases connections between the nerve cells in the brain, improving memory and protecting you from injury and disease.
How much exercise do you need? Australian guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise of moderate intensity on most or all days of the week! Practising mindfulness while doing exercise will reduce your stress and contribute to a healthy mind! Here at MET Phys, we can provide you with an appropriate exercise program! Better yet, come join us for affordable group classes to help with motivation and social interactions.
Get Help On Your Mental Health and Exercise Routine
This is general advice, if you would like information tailored to suit your needs please contact your local Allied Health professionals at MET Phys on 07 45 993 165 or come in and see us! We are just beside the Lifeline in Highfields at Shop 2 & 3, 10517 New England Highway, Highfields, 4352.
