7 Best Exercises For Mental Health

Taking care of our mental health is essential in our fast-paced and demanding world. While therapy and medication are valuable resources, incorporating the best exercises for mental health into our routine can significantly contribute to our overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore seven of the best exercises for mental health, offering practical tips and insights to help you nurture your mind and body.

1. Go for a Walk

Engaging in regular walks is a mental health exercise that has various benefits. Walking stimulates the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being. It also reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and increases relaxation, leading to a calmer state of mind. Here are some tips you can follow:

1. Set aside dedicated time for walking breaks between study sessions or classes. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of brisk walking to refresh your mind.
2. Consider walking or biking if feasible instead of taking the bus or driving to campus. This way, you can combine exercise with commuting and save time while boosting your mental health.
3. Discover the outdoor spaces on your campus. Seek out scenic routes, pathways, or nearby parks where you can walk and enjoy a change of environment.
4. Walking can enhance creativity and cognitive function. If you're working on a project or need to brainstorm ideas, take a walk while reflecting or thinking. 

2. Practice yoga

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, has a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being. Rooted in various philosophical principles and teachings, yoga emphasises the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Its origins can be traced back thousands of years, and it has evolved into a diverse system of practices that promote self-awareness, inner peace, and overall harmony. Here’s how yoga affects your food and lifestyle habits for the better!

1. Yoga offers powerful techniques, such as deep breathing and relaxation exercises, that can help students manage and reduce stress levels. 
2. This mental health exercise combines physical movement with mindfulness, enhancing students' ability to stay present and focused. 
3. The combination of movement, breathwork, and meditation in yoga can reduce anxiety, uplift mood, and promote a sense of emotional well-being.
4. Yoga practice promotes acceptance, self-compassion, and the ability to adapt to stressors, equipping students with effective coping mechanisms for the demands of student life.

3. HIIT the gym

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a workout technique that alternates between intense bursts of exercise and short recovery periods. This form of training has gained popularity due to its time efficiency and numerous benefits for both physical fitness and mental health. Here's how HIIT contributes as the best exercise for mental health:

1. HIIT stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones. The endorphin rush experienced during and after HIIT can help alleviate stress and improve mood.
2. This mental health exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making skills. 
3. Regular participation in HIIT workouts can contribute to an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. 

4. Dance your stress away

Dancing is a form of artistic expression, a mental health exercise and a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being. Here's how dancing is one of the best exercises for mental health:

1. Dancing allows individuals to express their emotions, creativity, and identity through movement. 
2. Engaging in dance can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of dance movements, combined with music, has a calming effect on the mind and body. 
3. Dancing has the power to uplift mood and increase happiness. It can create a sense of joy, exhilaration, and accomplishment, leading to improved overall mood and emotional well-being.
4. This mental health exercise often involves social interaction in group classes, partner dances, or dance communities. It provides opportunities for connection, fostering social support and a sense of belonging.

5. Mindful meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a mental health exercise that involves bringing full attention and awareness to the present moment. It cultivates a non-judgmental and accepting attitude towards our thoughts, emotions, and sensations. By training the mind to be fully present, mindfulness meditation can profoundly reduce stress, improve focus, and promote emotional balance. Here is a step-by-step guide

1. Choose a calm and quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
2. Set a timer for your desired meditation duration. Start with just a few minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
3. Close your eyes gently or lower your gaze, allowing your focus to turn inward.
4. Bring your attention to your breath and redirect your attention back to the breath whenever you find yourself drifting away.
5. By the end, take a moment to express gratitude for this time of self-care and reflection.

6. Spend time in nature

Spending time in nature has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Research consistently demonstrates that immersing ourselves in natural environments can reduce symptoms of depression, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Engaging in outdoor activities is one of the best exercises for mental health. Here are a few activities that students can enjoy:

1. Embark on a hike and explore scenic trails. The combination of physical activity, fresh air, and the beauty of natural surroundings can lift your spirits, boost endorphins, and offer a sense of accomplishment, making it one of the best exercises for mental health.
2. Connect with nature through gardening. Tending to plants, feeling the soil, and witnessing the growth and blossoming of flowers or vegetables can be immensely therapeutic.
3. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by immersing yourself in this mental health exercise. Sleeping under the stars, breathing in fresh air, and engaging in campfire conversations can rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

7. Group exercise

Participating in team sports or group exercises promotes physical fitness and offers students significant social benefits. Here's how engaging in these activities fosters social connections, enhances self-esteem, and develops resilience:

1. Team sports provide opportunities for students to interact with teammates, coaches, and opponents. Through shared goals, teamwork, and cooperation, students develop meaningful relationships and expand their social networks. 
2. Achieving personal and team goals, improving skills, and receiving recognition for efforts contribute to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
3. Team sports and group exercises provide opportunities for students to face challenges, setbacks, and competition. Through these experiences, students learn resilience—how to bounce back from failures, adapt to changing circumstances, and overcome obstacles. 

To find local sports groups or fitness clubs, students can check with their school, research community organisations, or utilise online platforms. If you choose to stay with us, our stellar student accommodations are loaded with facilities to help you enhance and prioritize your mental health. 

8. Sleep 

A good quality of sleep often improves the majority of mental and physical complications. Taking an adequate amount of nap is one of the best forms of mental exercise; it keeps your body fresh and helps you focus better. Modern responsibilities have changed most of our sleeping patterns; however, building the right sleeping pattern will help improve your mental well-being. Here are a few tips to build better sleeping habits.

1. Try aiming to sleep for about 7-9 hours a day.
2. Avoid screen time before going to bed.
3. Read before going to bed, it helps in relaxing your mind and helps you fall asleep faster. 
4. Maintaining a clean environment, including a clean and dimly lit bedroom, will promote calmness and help you get closer to better mental well-being. 

Nurturing your mind and body through exercise is a powerful way to prioritise your mental health. By incorporating these 7 best exercises for mental health into your routine, you can tap into their transformative benefits. Choose exercises that resonate with you, set achievable goals, and practice self-compassion along your journey. Students can also go through our blog for mental health and Genz. For additional support in your well-being journey, consider exploring the well-being services offered by reliable student services!