Change the way you move
Hobbies, passions, and activities are not the same for everyone, and for many, repetition can be unproductive in any aspect of life. This extends to exercise and the way in which we move. To that end, changing your exercise routine could be the key to keeping your physical and mental well-being in check.
Finding a movement routine that suits you, your lifestyle, and your day to day is essential. To do this, you have to stay open to new things. Exercising can help make you feel better about yourself, and regularly switching up your physical activities will keep you moving and accumulate more exercise than you may have even intended. Let’s find out how.
Boost your happiness
A 2018 study from researchers at Yale University and Oxford University found that there was a link between activity levels and mental health quality. Around 1.2 million adult Americans were evaluated, and the findings showed that people who exercised regularly had 1.5 fewer days a month of poor mental health. The average participant had 3.4 days of poor mental health per month.
How does this work? Exercising releases endorphins, which in turn release a sense of euphoria and can even reduce your sense of pain, as this 2020 study shows with migraines. Regular exercise is also a great time for you to get away from any stressors in life, allowing you to fully focus on your movement.
So where do different types of movement come in? When you regularly switch up your exercise routine, you can avoid the dreaded mental fatigue. And this doesn’t have to be your whole routine! Changing just one or two variables within your current routine can be enough. For example, pick up a sport like padel or pickleball, try out a new yoga class, or even try a kickboxing class. You could also try walking or riding a bike to meet up with friends instead of using public transport.
Mental health benefits
It’s important to note that exercise doesn’t need to be a set workout routine in a gym—any type of movement is good, and keeping the type of movement varied can keep your body alert and even more ready to try new things.
Here are some of the mental health benefits people enjoy from movement:
Higher self-esteem
Elevated mood
Natural energy boost
Reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD
Types of movement
We know why it’s so important to move, and essentially, why we should be regularly mixing up the type of movement and exercise we do.
If you often exercise indoors, why not take it outside? A 2022 study published on behalf of the International Association of Applied Psychology found that “physical activity in nature was more beneficial for increased energy and helped to reduce fatigue.” This could be running, walking, or yoga, among other activities!
Although working out outdoors is beneficial, movement in general is important. And changing what you do keeps it interesting and helps make sure you don’t get bored of the same routine. So, if you’re a runner at heart and you would like to try out something different, how about strength training? This could either be done in a gym or with resistance bands and weights at home.
Dancing is another way to get your body moving—put on your favorite song and take a few minutes to dance it out. With so many different types to choose from, whether you’re a seasoned professional or feel like you have two left feet, there is a style for everyone.
Solo vs. social
Social exercise has been proven to be beneficial to your mental health. Exercising in classes can increase group bonding and allow you to make new friendships and connect with others. This can help decrease feelings of loneliness and encourage a sense of community.
You could also do this by doing home workouts with someone you live with, going on a walk or a run with a friend, or seeing what classes and activities are available in your area.
Although exercising with someone is a great way to get out there, doing it on your own helps with self-motivation and ensures you move one way or another. Plus, working out allows you to catch up on your favorite podcast, listen to your favorite song, or get lost in thought.
Finding what works for you
Being open to trying new things is a great mindset to apply to all areas of your life. Don’t get stuck in a monotonous routine. Moving shouldn’t feel like a chore, and switching things up regularly can help you avoid feeling this way.
With so many different types of movement out there, from cardio and strength training to taking a long walk, swimming, and team sports, there really is something out there for everyone.