For the past few years, I have been using exercise as a means to tackle my anxiety, depression and alcohol used disorders. Recently I was injured and am unable to exercise as I was for the next few months. Any suggestions?
Exercise certainly is one but not the only channel that people use to combat mental health issues.
- Diet plays a significant role in stabilising natural feel-good chemicals in your body and brain. Eating proper foods that have natural nutrients as opposed to processed “junk foods”.
- Work on getting a decent amount of natural sleep.
- Meditation clearing and guided meditations to restore positive self-talk and set the right frames of mind.
- Focused breathing techniques to walk you through panic attacks breathing deeply and consciously.
- Talk therapy speaking to a human to unravel what is driving the behaviours.
- Yoga poses can be modified to suit individual needs. There’s even yoga practised while sitting in a chair.
Aerobic exercise, according to research, is especially beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, a simple bike ride, dance class, or even a brisk walk can be a powerful tool.
More About Exercise & Recovery
Research suggests that the average adult should get 75 to 150 minutes of exercise per week. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown by scientists to reduce overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilise mood, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem. Exercise is often the last thing on your mind when you are depressed or anxious. However, once you get motivated, exercise can make a significant difference. While the physical health benefits of exercise are well-publicized, the link between exercise and mental health is frequently overlooked.
Five minutes of aerobic exercise can start to produce anti-anxiety effects. Your heart rate increases during exercise, but as your fitness level improves, your heart begins to work more efficiently. As a result, your resting heart rate between workouts will eventually slow down. Improved heart and lung function as a result of regular aerobic activity is frequently associated with a greater sense of overall well-being, which can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Individuals who engage in physical activity for 20-30 minutes per day, according to a University of Toronto study, can prevent depression in the long run. Choose a workout that you enjoy, such as dance, running, or weightlifting, and make it a regular part of your routine to not only treat but also prevent depression and anxiety, according to the study.
Understanding Wellbeing
Although there is no single universal definition of mental well-being, it does include factors such as: Feeling good about oneself and being able to function well individually or in relationships. Well-being also includes the ability to deal with life’s ups and downs, such as overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities and a sense of belonging to our community and surroundings with some level of authority and control over our lives. Having a sense of purpose and being appreciated (especially inside of relationships) are all factors that contribute to our sense of being well.
