How Staying Active can Help you get Through the Difficult Times

The news seems to be one long stream of negative information at the moment. Covid, wars and financial uncertainty, it’s just one thing after another. It’s easy to get bogged down with all the bad news and end up worrying and putting ourselves under immense stress. Because many (or most) of us are finding it hard to cope with all the negativity, this month we are going to look at how staying active and healthy can help us get through the tough times.
 
Exercise to Improve your Mood
Exercise is a great way to lift our mood and help us feel more positive. Sticking to a routine such as a daily walk is a great way to stay active and if you add in a weekly class you will get the added benefits of meeting up with friends and talking about any worries you might have. Exercise doesn’t have to cost money either, we will all be looking at ways to save money in the coming months but that shouldn’t mean we neglect our physical and mental health.
 
Here are some of our recommendations for keeping active to improve your mental well-being:

• Get out into nature - Research shows that getting out into green spaces help us reconnect with nature and lift our spirits, whether that's a walk through fields in the countryside, a run by the sea or cycling through parks in the city.
• Try martial arts - Martial arts based classes help with anxiety in many ways. The focus on deep breathing is a great stress reliever and the physical side of the class is a great way to release tension as well as getting those much needed feel good hormones. Fighting Fit classes with Amanda are a fun class which combines Tae Kwon Do with gym boxing moves, punches, drills and kicks to give you a full body workout without any sparring.
• Do some gardening - If you have a yard or garden then doing a bit of weeding or raking is a great way to stay active, get some much needed fresh air and lift your mood. As we approach winter you can get busy clearing leaves and getting your plants ready for the first frosts.
• Workout outside - Classes such as bootcamp are a brilliant way to get fit with the added benefit of being able to be held outside. Don’t be put off if the weather is a bit chilly- just be sure to wear clothes that are appropriate for the temperature, layers that can be added or removed as needed are ideal for cooler days.
• Workout with friends - When you feel a bit low it’s often good to meet up with friends for chat to help clear our minds. Schedule a walk, run or cycle ride so you can share your worries while getting fit.

 
Healthy Body - Healthy Mind
Staying active, eating a balanced diet and incorporating weekly strength training into your routine is a great way to keep your body in shape and help you stay on top of negative feelings and worries. Try not snack on too many sugary treats- these are fine in small amounts but the quick sugar high will not last as long as the positive effects you will get from regular exercise and healthy foods.

Contact Amanda or more information on classes, one-to-one training sessions and nutrition advice.

*Always speak to your GP or medical professional before embarking on a new exercise regime.
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If you are suffering from more than a few worries or low mood then do seek professional advice - the NHS has some helpful resources here.