Getting physically active causes chemical changes in the brain which can positively alter mood, improve sleep and self-esteem. You will notice a boost in your mood and simulated endorphins after a short amount of exercise.
Doing something physical also releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times.
Studies have shown that doing regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression. It can help with connecting with people; doing group or team activities can help you meet new and like-minded people, and make new friends.
Please remember though, that physical activity isn’t always helpful for everyone’s mental health. You may find that it is helpful at some times and not at others or that it doesn’t work for you. If you are feeling unwell, it can be really hard to get started and it can be frustrating when people tell you about the benefits of being more active.
If you are in a really bad place don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t exercise. It can be easy to start feeling guilt or beat yourself up about not exercising, and this can start to contribute to feeling unwell. It is important to find a balance, and figure out what works best for you.
