There’s no doubt that what we do with our body has a powerful impact on our mental wellbeing. Have you noticed that you tend to feel a little more positive after that run? Ready to get stuck in after a nourishing breakfast? Yoga guru, B.K.S, Iyengar said that “health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit” – true, isn’t it?
Good health both in body and mind is something we all strive for, but it’s important to remember that success is the sum of all small, daily efforts and doesn’t happen overnight. This year has seen substantial changes to our routine, so maintaining habits that make us feel good is more important than ever.
Everybody has different goals and motivations so we’ve put together a few suggestions to help you find what works for you.
Fake Commute
Commuting was once a gruelling task many faced on a daily basis however, with remote working becoming the new normal, the value of commuting is more evident than ever. Why? Because it gets us up, dressed smart and out early in the fresh air, clearing our mind and charging our bodies for the day ahead. It may seem like a small amount of exercise however, it really does make a difference in keeping us healthy inside and out.
If you’re studying or working from home, implementing a ‘fake commute’ could help you stay active and mentally refreshed. Get up, put on some smart clothes and go for a walk before you start your day, get those endorphins flowing and you’ll arrive home fresh-faced and motivated for your day ahead.
Get back in the gym
Gradually, local gyms have started opening with precautions and social distancing measures. If you’re still working and studying from home, getting out of the house for an hour or two a day could make a huge difference in your motivation levels and, as a result, your productivity.
Whilst being good for physical health, exercising in the gym could also benefit your mental wellbeing. Exercising can have a profoundly positive effect on many mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and more. It can also help you sleep better, improve memory and boost your overall mood. So, if you need an energy burst, this could be a great way to inspire you.
Lunchtime workout
Understandably, it’s not always easy to get out of the house and go to the gym, especially if you have family commitments or you are shielding. Thankfully, you don’t have to leave the house to feel the benefit of exercise.
If you have a smart device there are many online resources (particularly on YouTube) that can help you with home workouts. Put on some lively music, get dressed in your sportswear and follow the tutorials. Afterwards, you’ll feel refreshed and awake, ready to take on the days challenges.
Gardening
Being at one with nature has always been a great way to refresh your mindset. With this year bringing us limited time outside of our homes, we appreciate it even more. Getting outside in the garden is a great way to keep your mind occupied and your body active.
But, even if you don’t get the opportunity to spend much time outside, or maybe you don’t have a garden, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing the outside in. Why not spark an interest in indoor gardening? After all, there’s nothing more rewarding than nourishing something and watching it grow…
Walk your pet
Pets are undoubtedly great companions and they’re a great way to reduce anxiety and stress too. They can be a huge motivator – dogs are particularly good at encouraging owners to go outdoors and exercise leaving a positive impact on mental health.
Pets have also been said to have a calming effect on their owners. Just by having someone to talk to, look after and sit next to, you can relax your mind and feel at ease. Having pets provides someone to share your day with and daily walks could also help you maintain a routine.
Even if you don’t have a pet, there are plenty of pet owners in the world who I’m sure would appreciate you taking their beloved furry friend out for their daily exercise!
Think of these habits as small daily wins towards your bigger goals, enjoy the journey, take each day as it comes and you’ll improve your outlook and productivity.
Do you have any suggestions? Get in touch on social media via the links below!
Suggested follow-up resources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/pets-and-mental-health
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/