Mental health experts have long known that feelings can influence movement. They have also found that movement can influence feelings.
Exercise in general is recommended to help us feel more balanced and grounded. But specific movements can go a long way to alleviate anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental and emotional imbalances. Here are a few effective and proven types of movement to boost your mental health:
HIIT (High Impact Intensity Training): Can help ward off feelings of depression. Appears to enhance executive function: processes of top-down, goal-directed cognitive control.
YOGA: Can help calm anxiety and improve mental clarity. Has been shown to strengthen parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language.
WALKING: Walking for as little as 10 minutes can increase mental alertness, energy and positive mood. Promotes the release of endorphins that stimulate relaxation and improve mood.
STRETCHING: Can increase levels of serotonin: the hormone that helps stabilize our mood and reduce stress. Can improve your posture and help relieve chronic body aches and pains.
No matter what you choose, remember that it just has to work for you. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Your mental health and overall wellness is the priority. So do what you can, and show yourself grace with ever breath.