With one in eight men in the UK suffering at the hands of mental illness, depression and anxiety are becoming increasingly difficult problems to solve. Exercise is one of the most useful and effective ways to combat mental illness. Whether it’s a quick run before work or a commitment to a hobby, making your body healthy will inevitably make your mind healthier too. Here are a few exercises that are truly beneficial for your mental health.
Go on a walk
This one couldn’t be simpler. Walking in the park or countryside is one of the most relaxing activities you can do to improve your mind and body. Set aside about half an hour of your day for a refreshing walk in the morning or evening, especially if you’re working from home. Walking can be shaped around your other exercise routines, too, and is mainly for the benefit of your mind. If you can commit to that 30 minutes, you’ll also be getting the amount of exercise a day that many experts recommend. Why not go exploring some of the places around your home you haven’t visited yet?
Get in the ring
Boxing might not be for everyone, but it’s one of the most effective ways to get fit. If you’ve got a lot of pent-up frustration and energy (and let’s be honest – who doesn’t), going for a spare session is the perfect antidote. We’d suggest ringing up your local gym and asking about any sparring sessions that they might be running. While it may seem intimidating, there are no rules on who can or can’t box. If you can find consistency with your boxing routine, you’ll notice your mental health change for the better.
Meditation and Yoga
While meditation may not be an exercise, Yoga perfectly combines physical activity with that mental focus. It’s not all zodiac signs and hippy clothing either – everyone is welcome to join in at your local classes. Yoga may surprise you with the challenging poses that you’ll be asked to perform too. If you’re looking to focus on your mental health, Yoga is the optimum way to give your brain a boost.
Dance
Let’s be honest – 2020 has been a down year for everybody. We’ve all been doing a lot less dancing, so getting yourself back in the boogie mood is a good idea. Dancing has been found to greatly improve your mental state, so it’s a brilliant way to fuse physical and mental exercise. If you’re still in lockdown, why not try having a socially distanced party in the park? Bring along some speakers and get dancing!
Jump in the pool
If you have a local pool, going for a dip might be the best way to get your daily exercise. Swimming is refreshing and offers something a bit different compared to other exercises. Change up your strokes and set some goals every day to give yourself a sense of achievement. Swimming can be brilliant for your breathing too, which is a huge part of getting your mental health back on track.
Photo by mali maeder from PexelsWhile a lack of exercise might be the root cause of men’s mental health problems, it’s by no means the only one. Insecurities about appearance inevitably take their toll. If you’re worried about hair loss or early signs of balding, we’d suggest checking Sons out. They focus on delivering clinically proven DHT blocking shampoo and supplements straight to your doorstep. This, coupled with your exercise routine, can have a dramatic effect on your mental wellbeing.
It’s crucial to remember that finding an activity that excites you is essential if you’re going to keep up your exercise. Whether you prefer the slowed tempo of Yoga or the challenging goals you can set while swimming, getting your 30 minutes of exercise every day should be the number one priority. You will find whatever exercises that you enjoy will help you with your mental health.
Featured Image by icsilviu from Pixabay
