The stigma around mental health is becoming more and more open as people and wider society are slowly becoming far more accepting of those who struggle and that it is okay not to be okay. With all the pressures of the modern world and how easily things can get on top of us, plus having to deal with a pandemic amongst everything else going on, taking care of our mental health has become more important than ever. Talking to friends and family, choosing online therapy sessions with Citron Hennessey (or similar renowned psychotherapists) could all be great outlets to get things off your mind. Speaking to people and letting them know exactly what you are going through can be really helpful and it can make those struggling feel better at it. However, keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable with opening up this way.
Exercise is a great outlet to improve not only your physical health but your mental health as well, as there are common links between more exercise and better mental health. People who regularly exercise tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being along with other benefits of better sleep and feeling more energetic. Emerging trends have shown the increase in popularity of paddle boards as the fastest growing water sport in the UK. An unconventional form of exercise you could say, often seen as something done on holiday or once in a blue moon, moreso now people are buying paddle boards and getting out on the water to explore, whether this is at weekends or finding the time in the week. It is a great option if you are in close proximity to any lakes or scenic water spots. This blog will examine the mental health benefits paddle boarding can have, so keep on reading to find out more!
Exercise – how it affects stress and depression
Paddle boards becoming increasingly more popular has led to different stores providing a wide variety of different paddle boards in all shapes and sizes depending on your skill level, whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned pro. Aquaplanet is one example of a business who have a great choice of paddle boards for anyone to get their hands on! And with its positive benefits of your mental health it is easy to see why it is such a popular choice of activity.
Paddle boards are a great form of exercise, as they work all areas of the body and are low intensity so won’t wear you out as quickly as running for example. Getting out on the water is also very relaxing and paddle boards are the perfect medium to get out and explore somewhere new. Exercise is directly linked to improving mental health, as studies have shown that with the mind and body being so closely linked, when your body feels better this also positively impacts your mind. When you are under stress your muscles can feel tight and tense and cause other problems with your stomach and become a vicious cycle, whereby the worry and discomfort of physical ailments can lead to more stress and worry. Exercise can be an effective way to break this cycle which is why paddle boards are such a great option, especially to break out of day-to-day life and try something completely different. Similarly to depression, breaking the cycle with exercise is a great way to improve mental health, so why not give paddle boards a try today!