Did you know…every third Monday in January is commonly known as Blue Monday ¹ and is regarded by some as the most depressing day of the year. Reasons cited include financial worries after the festive period, the weather’s generally not great, there’s reduced daylight, and the majority of people have already fallen off of their new year resolutions.

However you are feeling today, the New Year is a great time to reflect on your own physical and mental health. The physical benefits of keeping active and getting regular exercise are well known. They include improving the quality of sleep, boosting metabolism and more. But did you know being active can have great benefits for mental health and wellbeing too?

When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins – also known as “happy hormones”. Endorphins play a part in why exercise makes us feel happy, according to psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal ². Exercise can also help to lower stress levels, reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression to name a few.

As well as endorphins, exercise also releases many more brain chemicals to help make you feel happy including dopamine, adrenaline and endocannabinoid. All these natural chemicals help our brain feel more happy, confident, less anxious or stressed.

Exercising in a group, such as a class, can help you bond with others too. Whether that’s a shared love of the same workouts, the same fitness goals, or just the feeling of unitedness in completing a workout or session.

“When you move with other people it creates a strong sense of ‘bigger than self’ possibility that makes people feel more optimistic and empowered,” psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal ² said. “And it allows people to feel more empowered about facing the challenges in their own lives. That’s an interesting side benefit of moving with other people, because there’s an embodied sense of ‘we’re in this together’ that translates into self-confidence and the ability to take on challenges in your life.”

Getting active can be easier than you think.

You don’t have to spend two hours in the gym every day.

Introduce small achievable milestones to help keep you moving and on track.

Try a new exercise class – this is a great way to try something new, is a safe space and is great fun! You will be surrounded by people of various abilities which will help build your confidence, motivate you to go along, as well as feel comfortable moving with others.

Try a new sport – Team sports such as netball or football are a great way to get active. Connect with people from different ages and backgrounds and become part of a larger community.

Exercise with a friend – Exercising with a friend is a great way to not only up your activity levels, but also a great way to help you stick to your fitness goals. It can help you to stick to your commitments if you know you are meeting up. You’re more than likely work harder and try new things when exercising with a friend.

If you are feeling it this Blue Monday, we can help you on your journey to better health and wellbeing. Head over to the BH Live Active app to book on to one of our group exercise classes, pop into centre to see what team sports we have on offer, or refer a friend!

If a friend of family member you refer joins BH Live Active, you will both get a free month’s membership – terms and conditions apply.

Notes:

The term Blue Monday originates from psychologist Cliff Arnall, 2004, who came up with the term for UK travel company, Sky travel, who used the phrase to help sell more winter holidays.

Sources:

¹ Psychologist Cliff Arnall – https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/blue-monday-today-what-is-b1994428.html

² Psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/ways-exercise-makes-you-happier/