As women, it can be hard sometimes to take some time for ourselves to just think about our own health. Being it looking after children, a partner, a friend, a parent, or having a demanding job - it’s hard to think about ‘me time’. This week is Women’s Health Week (2 - 6 September), where it’s recognised that the two biggest barriers for women not maintaining a healthy lifestyle is ‘lack of time’ and ‘health not being a priority’. During this week women are encouraged to do something for their health and start making positive changes that can last a lifetime - whether this is for physical or mental wellbeing.
One of the themes this year is ‘mighty movement’, where the importance of physical activity is discussed from bones to brain. It is quite obvious that physical activity can benefit a person in many ways, whether it be to make them more fit or to get them out of the house to see sunlight, as psychologists, we see the positive impact. So, how can physical activity help women with their health and mental health?
May reduce the risk of heart and lunch disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease
Weight loss and staying fit, which can also be good for self-esteem
As exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood, this can make you feel good
By being out and about, and not stuck in the house, it can help to reduce any feelings of loneliness and isolation, and help you reconnect with other people
It can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and help recovery from mental illness
Helps improve sleep and sleep quality
Allows you to get more vitamin D which has many health benefits
It can be fun and keeps you social
Now that you know some benefits of physical exercise, let’s see some fun examples of things we can do:
Go for walks locally or if it’s a nice day, the beach or park could be more exciting. If you have children or a dog, take them along
Make time to catch up with friends outdoors, and if it’s for a coffee, have the coffee outside, or better yet, on a walk
Listen to your favourite music playlist and just dance around the house
Try get out and do the gardening or washing your car yourself or with your family, instead of paying someone else to do it
Make time to practice yoga
Pick up a hobby that involves being active (eg; swimming, dancing, or basket ball)
Mose these things don’t require money, time, resources or planning, but they can make a big difference on your health and mental health and wellbeing. Set goals, create routines and make yourself a priority!
If you would like to learn more about how physical activity can support your mental health and learn some techniques to support you with this, then start off by giving us a call to make an appointment with one of our team of Psychologists.