There are many cures for mental health conditions. You could meditate, enter therapy, work on your relationships, cut out junk food, or take prescribed medication. These are all fantastic ways to overcome conditions like anxiety and depression. However, one of the most effective seems to be exercise. The more it’s researched, the more the link between exercise and happiness becomes clear. But what exercise specifically? You could try any, but here are three of the best.
Walks in nature
For able-bodied people, walking is so easy as to barely feel like exercise. It’s something you likely do every day. But it’s exactly for that reason that it’s such a good form of exercise. It’s something that anyone can achieve, even if your mental health condition has taken you towards a sedentary lifestyle.
For most people looking to get happier, easy, manageable targets are preferred. Challenge yourself to take a walk in beautiful surroundings at least three times a week. You’ll feel instantly better from the fresh air and vitamin D, not to mention the pleasure of stunning views. As you get into it, you’ll take longer walks, giving you the same benefits offered by more vigorous exercise.
Ride a bike
If you’re looking for something that requires a little more energy, then get a bike. This is a great way to get around town, making a decent replacement for a car. Because it’s a practical item, people who own bikes tend to exercise a lot more than those who don’t. Plus, cardio exercises are considered the best for anxiety and depression, which is exactly what a bike provides.
You can just ride to the store and back if that’s all you can manage. However, getting out into the woods will be even better. This gives you a calm and peaceful environment away from the anxieties of everyday life. As you pump the pedals, feel the rush of endorphins that come as your heart rate rises.
Go for a swim
Some people love swimming, others hate it. For those who enjoy it, there’s something magical about separating yourself from normal life. You change into your swimwear and enter a more tranquil world. As you dip your head underwater, it’ll block out the noise, leaving you to focus on getting fit. Swimming also seems to be one of the most effective aerobic exercises.
To help you become a more confident swimmer, shop online for swimming watches. These track your progress so that you can set goals. This is important because you’ll feel happy and satisfied every time you achieve one of your targets. That helps you maintain this habit and get all the benefits of exercising regularly.
Exercise lowers stress and muscle tension while pumping your brain full of happiness hormones. Doing it regularly increases confidence and your overall sense of self-esteem. However, for people with depression or anxiety, it can be hard to get out of bed. Above are three simple exercises you could try as part of a holistic happiness campaign.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
