Exercise to boost your mood

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and every day we’re supporting you with Insider features focusing on specific mental health topics. On Thursday 16 May there’s an Atrium takeover from 11:00 to 14:00 with a whole host of activities including workshops, talks and giveaways – add the date to your diary!

Wondering just how much activity will give you a mental health boost? It’s probably not as much as you think. You can reap all the physical and mental health benefits of exercise with 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. Two 15 minute or even three 10 minute exercise sessions can also work just as well.

Even a little bit of activity is better than nothing – just a few minutes of physical activity are better than none at all. Start with 5 or 10 minute sessions and slowly increase your time. The more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have, so eventually you’ll feel ready for a little more. The key is to commit to some moderate physical activity—however little—on most days. As exercising becomes habit, you can slowly add extra minutes or try different types of activities. If you keep at it, the benefits of exercise will begin to pay off.

Moderate levels of exercise are best for most people – moderate means:

1. You breathe a little heavier than normal, but are not out of breath. For example, you should be able to chat with your walking partner, but not easily sing a song.
2. That your body feels warmer as you move, but not overheated or very sweaty.

How does exercise boost your mood?

Easy exercises for the working week

It’s easier than you think to get more exercise during a working day. Here are a few suggestions on how to make small changes.

Commute differently – try getting off the train or the bus a stop or two away from your usual and get some extra steps in. If you drive, park further away.

Take the stairs – a great way to increase your heart rate and tone up those legs.

Stand up – make use of the adjustable flex desks or simply stand while you’re on the phone.

Take a walk break – grab some fresh air, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

Walk and talk – why not have a walking meeting? Exercise improves brain function so you may come up with some of your best ideas!

Do it at your desk – do these stretches when you’ve been sat at your desk for a while and feel tight and achy. Hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds and do them several times a day.

On 16 May PureGym will be joining us in the Atrium of Carnival House for our Mental Health Awareness Day takeover.

Visit their wellbeing station to find out more about fitness and enjoy a few freebies!

If you’d like to join a gym, one of the benefits of working at Carnival UK is that we’re able to enjoy discounted membership opportunities at a number of local facilities. Find out more at Harbour Benefits, Perks at Work.