Exercise for Sanity, Not Vanity: Lavina’s message for Mental Health Awareness Week

I am very passionate about the power of exercise on boosting our mental health.

Recognising, talking about and helping our mental health is so important after the tough year everyone has had. I am worried about our mental health now more than ever and Covid-19’s impact on mental health of all ages. I personally think the next pandemic is a mental health pandemic.

I know that this is a topic with some stigma attached to it especially in the South Asian community, but I really encourage people to be more open about it as we all understand that “It’s ok not to be ok.”

Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing. My slogan remains to: “Exercise for Sanity, Not Vanity”.

Here are 10 mental health benefits of exercise:

1. Stress reduction

2. Alleviates anxiety

3. Boosts your mood

4. Reduces risk of depression

5. Releases endorphins to help you feel good

6. Brain boost & new brain cell growth

7. Clearer thoughts, concentration & memories

8. More energy & positivity

9. Increased self esteem & self confidence

10. Better sleep

Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. It also plays a role in preventing the development of mental health problems and in improving the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems.

Exercise has definitely been a positive coping strategy for me during challenging times in my life. Exercise helps me like medicine, even if it’s just a quick dose of movement.

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As the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is nature, I encourage you to get outside and do a short “snacks” of 10 minutes brisk walking as this will increase mental alertness, energy and positive mood. This is why I call them “Feel Good Walks!”

Nature is vital in keeping us emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy. Studies show that exposure to Fractal patterns in nature reduce people’s levels of stress by up to 60%, so take time out for a walk and look at trees, branches, leaves and plants. I have lots of information on my Instagram about Mindful Walking & Forest Bathing.

Lavina Mehta MBE is an award-winning personal trainer and wellness coach. In her regular Feel Good series with ‘iGlobal’, she shares stories from her journey into fitness, workout tips and announcements about her upcoming online sessions.

*Info: Feel Good with Lavina; Free Exercise Snacks & 21 Day Feel Good Workout Plan here on Instagram TV.