16/01/2026
💜 My Friday ritual:
🤍 Reformer Pilates followed by a 5 k brisk walk ….
💜 Why?
Exercise matters for mental health because it works on your brain from several angles at once—chemistry, stress, sleep, confidence, and connection. A few of the big reasons:
1. It changes brain chemistry (in a good way).
Physical activity boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and increase feelings of calm and pleasure. That’s the “I feel lighter afterward” effect.
2. It reduces stress and anxiety.
Exercise lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and gives your nervous system a safe way to burn off tension. Rhythmic movement—walking, running, swimming—can be especially grounding.
3. It helps with depression.
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and, for some people, can be as effective as medication or therapy when used consistently (and even better when combined with them).
4. It improves sleep.
Better sleep = better mental health. Exercise helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed, which stabilizes mood and focus.
5. It builds confidence and a sense of control.
Showing up for movement—even something small—reinforces “I can do hard things.” That sense of agency is powerful for self-esteem and resilience.
6. It gives your mind a break.
Exercise pulls attention out of rumination and into the body. That mental “pause” can reduce overthinking and emotional spirals.
7. It can increase social connection.
Group classes, sports, or even walking with a friend reduce loneliness, which is a huge factor in mental health.
The key thing: it doesn’t have to be intense.
A 10–20 minute walk, gentle yoga, or light strength training still counts. Consistency matters more than intensity.
💜 Honestly-if you haven’t incorporated some exercise into your life -do it!!
🤍 When you feel that you can’t face it, OR life’s just way too busy-make time!
💜 These are exactly the reasons why you need to exercise more than ever!!
