Now the Autumn is here , days start getting shorter and the

summer sun has faded it is easy to start to feel the ‘blues’.

According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation in

2014, 1 in 6 adults experiences a common mental health

problem, such as anxiety or depression every week.

Exercise and getting active is a great way to combat stress,

depression and anxiety. If you’re not convinced here are a few

reasons you might like to consider :

Exercise reduces stress

When we exercise it stimulates the production of endorphins

(Feel good chemicals) in your brain. Endorphins are often

referred to as stress inhibitors. Also, when you are exercising

it gives focus to you and also for that time acts as a distraction

from other factors that may be impacting on your life.

Exercise improves your mood

When we exercise there is a marked increase in serotonin (a

naturally occurring chemical in the brain). Serotonin is the

brain’s natural antidepressant. The greatest increase is seen

in exercise that elevates the heart rate quicker, Aerobic

exercise, such as an Aerobics class or running.

Exercise can improve sleep patterns

Lack of sleep can make us feel physically unwell as well as

stressed and anxious, and scientists also believe that it

contributes to heart disease, premature ageing and road

accident deaths. Regular exercise can reduce stress levels,

regulate blood pressure, help with weight loss and self

esteem and the exertion makes us more tired and therefore

more likely to sleep for the body to recover. It is

recommended that we try not to exercise less than three hour

before bed to maximise this.

Be careful though - if you haven't exercised for a while, build

up slowly and if it's been a long while, consult your GP before

starting. A good place to start, or to re-start, is in a class

environment, it also helps it to become a social event too and

you’ll get and and meet new people.

Happy exercising!