With the nights rapidly drawing in and people working long hours. It can easily make you feel low and even depressed. Mental health is a REAL issue especially in Central London given that many people work such long hours.
Here are some goods reasons to keep active over the autumn / winter months to make sure you are in good mental health.
Boost Happy Chemicals
Exercising can be tough, but it’s worth the effort. Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed. For this reason, doctors will recommend that people suffering from depression and anxiety (or those who are just feeling blue) make time to exercise. In some cases, exercise can be just as effective as antidepressant pills in treating drepession.
Increase Relaxation
Ever hit the sack after a long run or weight session at the gym? A moderate workout can be the equivalent of a sleeping pill , even for people with insomnia. Moving around five to six hours before bedtime raises the body’s core temperature. When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it signals the body that its time to sleep.
Reduce Stress
Rough day at the office? Take a walk or head to the gym for a quick workout. One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Working up a sweat can help manage physical and mental stress. Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. So go ahead and get sweaty — working out can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension.
Improve Self-Confidence
Hop on the treadmill or lift weights to look (and more importantly, feel) like a million dollars. On a very basic level, physical fitness can boost self esteem and improve positive self image. Regardless of weight, size, gender or age, exercise can quickly elevate a person’s perception of his or her attractiveness.
Boost Brainpower
A number of studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells ( neurogenesis ) and improve overall brain performance. Studies also suggest that a tough workout increase levels of a brain-derived protein (known as BDNF) in the body, believed to help with decision making, higher thinking and learning.