The relationship between exercise and wellbeing is well documented. It’s no secret, widely supported and a long held belief by many that moving our bodies is good not only for our physical health but also for our well being. Many practitioners have been prescribing exercise for some time, not just for weight loss or overall fitness but also in order to:
– Reduce Stress
– Boost Mental Health
– Promote Better Sleep
– Increase Confidence
– Improve Cognitive Function
There is much evidence-based research to prove that it does all of this and more but WHY is exercise so successful at achieving this and does it matter which kind of exercise you do?
Moving our bodies with certain exercise such as running, cycling, swimming or weight training releases the brain chemical endorphins, those feel-good hormones that can alleviate pain, lower stress and improve mood by blocking the nerve cells that receive pain signals. Endorphins are, in some ways, a natural pain reliever and why much of this exercise can feel ‘addictive’ to some.
This form of exercise can also reduce the level of the body’s stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which, if left to build up inside of us, can lead to health problems such as anxiety, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (among other issues). So these forms of exercise are beneficial in many ways but when done excessively and with too much intensity CAN actually increase cortisol levels and even increase anxiety in some people.
Moving our bodies in gentler ways with exercises such as pilates, yoga and tai chi also have huge benefits for our wellbeing but in a different way. These types of exercise create a mindfulness that focuses our thoughts on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or future, both of which can create and increase anxiety if allowed to spiral. This kind of exercise often focuses on deep breathing and activates our Parasympathetic Nervous System which decreases the ‘fight or flight’ response (the Sympathetic Nervous System) in our bodies that is often responsible for physical tension, stress and a racing mind.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System, once activated, helps our body and mind to rest, relax and sleep better, it decreases our unnecessarily elevated heart rates and even improves our digestion (among other systems of the body). This form of exercise has even been proven to help heal emotional trauma stored in our bodies, something that can be very difficult to shift through cognitive means alone.
So all exercise has benefits for our wellbeing, it really does just depend on where you are at, what you and your body need and finding the right balance for you. This is something I specialise in and help people with every day, personalised and preventative health through mindful exercise and nutrition.
Anyetta X Southwell is a guest blogger for Ebb and Flow Counselling. Founder/Owner/Director at Core & Soul Wellness: Pilates-Nutrition-Breath, she says of herself:
I am an energetic and vibrant 46 year old woman who not only believes in an holistic approach to health but a personalised and preventative one also. With almost 20 years in the health and wellness industry I have an extensive background working with a variety of people from many diverse walks of life. Working in and around Australia as well as overseas as a Nutrition Coach, Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer and Gym Manager I have seen hundreds of people change their whole lives both significantly and positively through achieving optimal health and wellness working with me and this inspires me to continue to assist many more to do the same.
You can find Anyetta here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573098981136
And contact her here: coreandsoulwellness@gmail.com
