World Mental Health Day
Today marks World Mental Health Day, here at Frame, we wanted to remind you of all the juicy benefits that partaking in a Mini Barre session On-Demand or in-person Box Fit class can have on your mental wellbeing. After all, getting your sweat on isn’t just about building physical strength but also helping prevent disease, improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing self-esteem. For us, the benefits that aid the mind, body connection are never-ending so let’s delve in.Move To Change Your Mood
We all know that working out is fantastic for your body, but it’s as, if not more so for your mental wellbeing. Interestingly, a study from the University of Vermont found that just 20-minutes of exercise can boost your mood for an astonishing 12 hours.
While research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation showed that participants felt more content, more awake and calmer after being active compared to periods of inactivity.
Armed with the hard cold facts, Frame is here for all the seasons of your life so much so we’ve made sure you can tailor your workouts to suit your ‘mood state’ whether that’s in-person, via live-stream or our On-Demand platform.
To try it out for yourself, simply click on the ‘moods’ tab when booking your class. Here you can choose from several different frames of mind that suit you in that moment, and we’ll suggest a class to aid whatever space you’re in. No stress, we’ve got you boo.
Produce Endorphins That Make You Feel Good
We bloody love endorphins, honestly, we can’t get enough of them. The way we put it; feel-good endorphins are the hormone equivalent of Alison Hammond’s laugh – an instant pick me up that puts you in a good mood whatever the weather.
Don’t believe us? One Harvard Medical School study found that undertaking a workout helps to curb stress hormones while flooding your system with feel-good endorphins.
Getting active also ups production of good-mood brain chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, meaning you’re getting a triple whammy of mental benefits behind-the-scenes – and by BTS, we mean the inner workings of your brain.
Also, research published in Lancet Psychiatry offers more insight into the influence exercise has on mental wellbeing, revealing that working out for just two hours a week is enough to have a significant impact on it.
That’s the equivalent of four Quickie Bodyweight HIIT sessions via our livestream – or two in-person Reformer Pilates classes a week.
The study, which questioned 1.2 million people over four years, found that those who exercised reported an average of 1.86 days of poor mental health a month compared to 3.36 days from those who didn’t.
It may not sound like a big difference, but that’s 1.5 fewer down days a month and over the course of the year, that amounts to 18 days rather than the 40 reported by those who didn’t get active. Even more reason to stick to a regular Frame routine!
Help Set Your Frame of Mind
Since we now know that working out is a natural mood enhancer and feel-good endorphin producer you might be wondering what else can moving your body do for your mental wellbeing? Well, it helps regulate stress.
Studies have shown that doing something physical lowers stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which aid our ability to manage stress, anxiety or intrusive and racing thoughts.
Not only that but being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy during difficult times.
Although you might rather binge Bad Sisters after a hard day’s work, if you commit to a workout, you’ll not only get the benefits of stress relief and the feeling of achievement but also connection with our inspiring Frame community.
Whether it’s online or IRL, Frame is there every step of the way to give you energy, and confidence while working up a sweat surrounded by like-minded Framers. We may be biassed but we truly do have the best in the biz supporting you.
Not to mention our in-person workshops – New Moon Circles, Chakras Journey, Gong Ceremony for Sleep or Manifesting Series – bring Framers together for unique wellness experiences that expand your feeling of connection as well as your frame of mind.
While we could talk all day about the benefits of exercise on your mental health this World Mental Health Day, it’s just as important to reiterate that it’s OK to not be OK. You don’t have to carry it all alone, talk to someone and reach out for help.
For information about mental health support and services contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or visit their website here.