On International Men’s Day 2020, Ed chats about why being physically active and taking regular exercise is so important and why now, more than ever, it’s vital for us all.
It’s great to be reminded occasionally that YOU have control of your time and what you do with it. Will you choose to spend it reading a fascinating new book, socialising with friends (when allowed) or sharing a glass of wine with your significant other? Whatever you decide, there’s one massively important activity you need to make sure you do… exercise!
With the UK in the middle of another lockdown, our mental health and the mental health of those around us should be at the top of our priority list. 19 November 2020 celebrates International Men’s Day and in light of this, it’s worth remembering that whilst depression and anxiety can affect anyone and everyone, suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 across the world. This has become worse in recent years and with COVID taking a strain on all of us, we need to make sure our mental health and the mental health of those around us is always at the front of our minds.
Studies have shown that exercise (especially aerobic exercise such as running or cycling) can raise our levels of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ chemical that naturally helps regulate our moods. It’s also suggested that lower levels of serotonin can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While regular exercise is brilliant for our minds and bodies, it doesn’t necessarily mean we need to be running ten miles every day! During our bunch catch-ups, here at Rambutan, we always make sure we chat with each other about what we’ve been doing away from work, and there are always bunch members talking about their exercise activities. Some of the bunch chat about their countryside walks, others talk about how far they have run or cycled… all immensely inspiring!
When I encourage my family or friends to do more exercise, I often receive comments such as “I don’t have the time” or “I lack motivation and energy”. It’s a well-known fact that exercise can actually increase your energy throughout the day. To find time to exercise, even just a 20-minute walk, consider getting up earlier, preparing your lunch the night before or walking in your lunch break? Could you encourage others to do regular exercise? Perhaps find an ‘exercise buddy’ to workout together with, even if it’s just a walk and a chat!
Whatever exercise you choose to do, is fantastic. It’s about discovering what works best for you. #InternationalMensDay
