Many people put exercise high on their list of resolutions for the New Year after over-indulging on fruit mince pies over the holiday season!

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies but what many of us don’t realise is that exercise is also very important for our mental health.

One in five Australians (aged 16 to 85) will experience a mental illness in any year and at least six Australians die from suicide every day. Almost all of us will experience life-related stress at one time or another. Exercise is a simple way to keep the black dog at bay.

Exercise makes you feel good because it releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. It can also get you out in the world, help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and put you in touch with other people.

If you exercise regularly, it can reduce your stress and symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and help with recovery from mental health issues. Exercise also helps improve your sleep, which is vital to wellness.

You don’t have to join a gym – activities such as swimming, walking the dog, jogging whilst listening to music, riding a bike, gardening, bushwalking and yoga can all be beneficial.

A lot of us at Bonnie’s sit at our computers all day long. We often spend hours on the phone or out seeing clients, which can be draining at times. Luckily for us, we have a café within walking distance which is a great motivator, getting us out of our chairs and helping us stay active, while investing in our mental health!

Check out the following links if you want to find out more about the link between exercise and mental wellness.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health

http://exerciseright.com.au/mental-health

Written by Leah