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We’re living in a world where it’s fair to say there’s a bit of a mental health crisis going on. More people than ever before struggle with anxiety. More of us are living with depression, and the rising levels of addiction is astonishing, with more people than ever before requiring a private rehab centre.
Of course, much of that begins with not being able to cope with our struggles, worries and thoughts in a healthy manner, turning to the likes of alcohol or drugs or allowing those worries to get on top of us.
Exercise has long been a way to counter that, providing a healthier outlet for dealing with stress and anxiety. But of course, not all forms of exercise come cheap. Gym memberships can be expensive, while joining golf clubs or anything else also aren’t possible for everyone.
However, there are also many forms of exercise out there that are free, and can be more effective than you’d think. So, if you’re struggling with your mental health, there are five forms of exercise that will cost you absolutely nothing to enjoy…
Exercise that will cost you absolutely nothing to enjoy
Running or Jogging
One of the places many people start is with running. All you need is a pair of trainers and you can get out and pound the pavements. The benefits of running are huge, increasing heart rate and stimulating the release of endorphins, which will boost mood and reduce stress.
There’s a real sense of clarity in the mind when running, particularly if you can find a nice trail where you don’t need to worry about traffic and are surrounded by nature. It’s a real sense of peace. What’s more, many running clubs and the likes of Parkrun are completely free of charge, which means jogging and running can be a fantastic place to make friends too.
Yoga
Yoga is hugely recommended by healthcare professionals as it provides both physical and mental benefits, encouraging mindfulness and allowing people to focus on the present and let go of negative thoughts and worries.
Practicing yoga regularly can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and promote a real sense of inner peace. While you’ll find yoga groups in your local town, you can get started for free simply by utilising the many classes and apps available on the likes of YouTube and in your app store.
Bodyweight Exercises
Many of us think that we can only improve our strength by hitting the gym, but that’s far from the case with the likes of squats, lunges, push-ups and planks all requiring no equipment at all. You can do them anytime, anywhere and really start to feel the benefits.
Start with a few sets of each exercise and gradually increase them over time as you become stronger. The focus you need for this can be great for improving mood, while you’ll of course feel the benefit of the endorphins released as a result of the exertion.
Dancing
Dancing is a fun and free form of exercise that not only benefits physical health but also has significant mental health advantages. Whether you dance to your favourite music at home or join a dance class, moving your body rhythmically releases endorphins and reduces stress levels.
Dancing improves coordination, boosts self-confidence, and provides an outlet for self-expression. It can be a social activity if you choose to dance with others, fostering connections and a sense of community. Choose music that uplifts your spirits and allows you to let loose – the joy of dancing can have a profound impact on your mental well-being.
Walking
Finally, it can be as simple as taking a walk. You can go out walking anywhere, from taking a stroll to the local shops instead of driving, to getting out into the countryside and enjoying a hike in nature.
Walking is really good for releasing endorphins as well as being low intensity exercise that can improve mental health. Aim for around 30 minutes each day, while combined with some of the exercises above and you can get together a fantastic routine that can be hugely beneficial for your mental wellbeing.
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