When it comes to looking after ourselves, mental and physical health go hand in hand. Regular exercise leads to substantial improvements on our emotional wellbeing which feeds back, motivating us to further explore our physical capabilities.
Let’s explore how to get that positive feedback loop started.
Get ready with us: Gym edition
The Mental Health Foundation found that 82% of adults acknowledge the positive impact of physical activity. Yet, for many of us, the gym can seem quite daunting. We fear embarrassing ourselves and worry that other members will instinctively know we don’t belong. The truth is that gyms are full of people striving to reach their full potential. When good people have an internal drive to succeed, it often translates to helping others succeed too.
If you’re nervous, here are our gym tips:
- Know before you go – research your gym before you visit. Knowing which equipment is stocked, where to find the showers and whether there are lockers can make a big difference to the quality of your workout.
- Pack a pack – take your gym bag essentials. If you’re unsure, that’s: a water bottle, trainers, snack, towel, phone and a device to listen to music (your playlist will be better than theirs, trust us). It also makes sense to bring your favoured toiletries for your post-workout shower. For extra convenience, pop them in a small bag with a hook so that you can hang it up for easy access.
- The more, the merrier – everything is less scary when you’ve got someone with you. Encouraging a friend to join you in your gym journey can help you feel more comfortable as you get used to a new setting.
If you still think gyms aren’t your cup of tea, find a guided workout video online to start building your confidence. This option may work for you, although it won’t offer the same social or emotional benefits that come with being in a shared fitness environment.
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Let nature nurture you
Fortunately, beyond the gym and that tiny little space in your home, there’s another place you can nurture your mental and physical health: the great outdoors.
Visiting green spaces (gardens, parks, forests and fields) as well as blue spaces (rivers, lakes and seas) is an increasingly common way to regulate your well-being. As The Wildlife Trusts’ Head of Health and Education puts it, “We are designed as a species to spend time outside, and if we can connect with nature, the evidence shows that it tends to make us happier and healthier.” A GOV.UK survey which supports this idea found that 92% of adults who had visited a natural area in the past two weeks agreed it had improved their mental health. Remarkably, 94% also reported that their time outdoors had benefited their physical health. So why are so many people missing out?
Access to natural spaces is limited. City-dwellers, who often lack gardens, are less likely to visit green spaces than their rural counterparts. Having to drive to secondary locations to be immersed in nature can be off-putting but is sometimes the only option for those living in nature-deprived areas. Framing the trip as a ‘day out’ can help you make the most of your visit. Whether you aim to exercise, eat, or relax outside, bringing a bag of comforts (sun cream, snacks and a good book) can enhance your experience and help you stay out longer.
Try a treat
If you need to work up to an outdoor adventure, you can still improve your health with an evening of self-care. From massages and meditation to fragrances and a feel-good skincare routine, these rituals can take care of your mind and body. And the best part? Self-care is affordable. Look for budget beauty brands to find the products you desire. Or, if you want an extra treat, order a mystery skincare bag filled with contents you get to discover.
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What next?
The important thing is getting that feedback loop started. Prioritising your mind and body through movement, nature and self-care will help you build momentum, creating a healthier, happier you in the long term. It doesn’t matter how small you start, what matters is that you do.