JUST GET STARTED

U nfortunately, managing stress is part of life for so many of us, but actually knowing how to reduce it is difficult.

Or sometimes we know what we need to do, but we just don’t have the time to do it.

Moving your body in any form is a great stress reliever.

When you move your body you release endorphins, which are your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.

When you’re in this state and in the midst of exercising, you will likely be distracted from your worries and tensions, leaving you with a clearer head.

Making it part of your regular routine can help you approach your days with a calmer and clearer mindset.

Regular exercise is also a great mood and confidence booster, as well as being a way to lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.

It can also improve sleep, which is often impacted by depression, stress and anxiety.

But first, talk to your GP. If it’s been a while since you exercised, or you have a few health concerns, then consulting a medical professional is a good idea.

It’s important to gradually build up. Don’t run before you can walk otherwise you could end up injured and overdoing it.

It’s recommended that adults do 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week (brisk walking or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (running).

Why not mix it up and do a combination of the two?

Remember to add some strength training in a couple of times a week too.

There’s no point putting yourself through exercise you hate — it’s unlikely you’ll stick at it — so choose things you enjoy, such as walking, gardening, jogging, cycling or swimming. Finally, schedule it in.

By putting your exercise sessions into your calendar, you’re immediately prioritising them.

It doesn’t matter if it isn’t at the same time each day, as long as you get it done.

STICK WITH IT

You’ll probably be really enthusiastic at the start, but come week two or three, your enthusiasm might start to wane.

Setting goals that are measurable and achievable is important so you can remind yourself why you’re doing this and why it’s a priority.

Working out with a friend makes moving so much more fun, too.

Set up a time to head out together for a walk, run, exercise class, anything that moves your body and you can enjoy doing together.

You’ll be less likely to skip a session if someone else is there to keep you accountable.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, so why not try something different?

If that’s daunting, then do it with a friend. Choose a class to try together and see what you think.

If you only have small pockets of time, that’s OK because any movement that elevates your heart rate is better than nothing.

If a 30-minute walk is too hard to achieve then head out for three 10minute walks throughout the day — it will be just as beneficial.

The most important thing to remember is that exercise and moving your body should be fun.

If it’s feeling like a chore or just another task on your to-do list, then you need to find a different way to get moving.

If you prioritise exercise, whether it be in short bursts or longer stints, you will be guaranteed to feel better.

Reducing those stress levels is important for so many reasons, so help yourself out by putting on your shoes and heading out the door.