Power of movement: Swim to relieve stress, walk for mental blocks, dance away anxiety
LONDON — Is physical activity the key to a stronger mind? Two in three people believe it just may be, according to a recent survey, and health experts agree. In fact, relieving stress can be as simple as swimming some laps, while walking could be the best medicine for clearing a mental block.
British TV personality and physician Dr. Zoe Williams says various movements can improve certain moods. She advises getting some fresh air by walking if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated while working to give you a boost. That’s because walking helps your heart beat faster, providing fresh oxygenated blood to your brain, allowing you to think and focus better.
Meanwhile, the methodical movement of swimming gives you something to focus your mind on, helping to reduce stress levels, as well as releasing cortisol, which can help to manage stress. And dancing can be used as a way of quashing feelings of worry or anxiety as the physical activity can release endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, which give you feelings of happiness.
The advice comes from a poll of 3,000 British adults, including 1,000 who have a long-term health condition. Results show that 67 percent of those who do some form of physical activity claim it helps their mood. A third of respondents feel their mood is lower if they don’t move or exercise as much as they usually would, with mental wellbeing the biggest factor for 18 percent, when choosing a physical activity.
Overall, 29 percent agree that some form of physical activity makes them feel “calmer” afterwards.
TOP 10 PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES PEOPLE DO ON A REGULAR BASIS (ONCE A WEEK)
1. Walking
2. Stretches
3. Cleaning
4. Gardening
5. Team sports i.e. football, tennis etc.
6. Swimming
7. Running
8. Squats
9. Sit to stand
10. Jogging outside
Physical activities are also very important for mental health. So, we should try to engage in productive sports which can help in good physical and mental health.