Movement
Mental wellbeing correlates with physical exercise. Making a conscious decision to move is key to linking the two. And when I say movement, I don’t mean off the sofa to the fridge, it’s a purposeful feat of moving. Planning an opportunity to move is the first part, making a decision to go for a brisk walk, initially, is a first step on the road to physical health, for those struggling in both areas.
By walking from your door, the hardest task will be to leave your home. That first step over the threshold is critical and it might take several attempts to do it, but if you are wanting to achieve this, then it will come eventually.
Once over the doorstep, plan a short route, circular if possible back to your home.
When walking two options are available to you (or try both)
- Walk fast and get your heart pumping, exercise releases endorphins which send positive signals to the brain, which will help with your mental health.
- Take in the surroundings, whether built up or in nature, look for things you usually don’t see, what colour are the doors of the homes near where you live, how many of a specific colour? Can you hear bird song? Is there any wind, which way is it travelling, can you feel it on your face? This option takes your mind off the worries, or anxiety you are feeling and gives some respite from the turmoil.
Will these methods solve the issues? No, but they are a stepping stone towards better mental health.
I have 3 exercises I do regularly and they have improved my wellbeing massively, 1. Gym on a Tuesday at 6am, starting the day is my hardest one to commit to and maintain. 2. 5 a side football on a Wednesday. 3. Taking my son to play football on the park for an hour (minimum) each week.
What are your routines? Are they positive routines? Do you want to improve your physical fitness?
The first step is the most difficult one, so make the change an idea and you are already on the right path.