Researchers from Yale and Oxford University have found evidence that exercise is more important to your mental health than your economic status.
In 2018 scientists collected data from more than 1.2 million Americans. Participants in the study completed questions about the number of days they self-reported low mental health, alongside information on their income and physical activities with a choice between 75 different types of physical exercise; ranging from doing the housework to weight-lifting and running. Those less physically active reported low mental health for 18 days a year more than those who kept more active.
The study also proved money doesn’t necessarily buy you happiness. Exercising more makes you feel just as good as those who earn around $25,000 a year more!
It’s all about moderation. According to the study, three to five training sessions of between 30 and 60 minutes a week are ideal. Those who exercised for longer than three hours a day suffered more than those not particularly active.
We’ve all heard of the ‘happy-boosting’ effect of exercise and terms like ‘adrenaline-pumping’ and ‘endorphin releasing’. When we exercise, the brain’s hypothalamus and the pituitary gland produces neurochemicals called endorphins. Endorphins highlight the brain’s “reward” circuit, bringing about feelings of euphoria and well-being.
During exercise, the brain also releases serotonin and norepinephrine which help teach the body to cope with stress. Studies have shown that low levels of these two neurotransmitters are linked to depression and anxiety. Exercise stimulates the brain to release these chemicals and increases the level of these natural mood-boosters in our bodies. All these factors result in that feel-good feeling you get after exercise.
Working out and answering emails do not go hand in hand so taking time out to exercise gives you an excuse to switch off completely from the outside world. More thoughtful movement which highlights the mind-body connection is becoming increasingly important in an industry that usually promotes high-intensity, high-impact, fast results. Ultimately, it's about being more aware of your total self. Not looking at just the external body but taking into account mental health. This sums up the ethos behind Gyrotonic® exercise. The Gyrotonic®Method is an original and unique movement method that addresses the entire person, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and improving strength and movement efficiency.
Traditionally, ‘western thinking’ ignored the fundamental relationship between mind and body but fortunately, modern mainstream health and well-being culture has adopted meditative mind-body practices, incorporating many of them into contemporary pain relief, mental health care, and preventative and rehabilitative treatments. It’s incredibly important to have an awareness of the needs of both the mind and the body and introduce methods of exercise that takes care of both.
So, next time you think about going to the gym, steeling yourself for a brisk walk or plunging into that pool and decide it’s not worth it, it really is… up to $25,000 worth and so much more!