Exercise For Mental Health

How does it benefit my mental health?

We all know that exercise can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing. So we’ve taken a look at the advice and research from Mind, to see why getting out into nature or for some fresh air and physical activity can really make a difference. We’ve also asked our Scout Store peers what they do to keep their mental health in check.

Mind says being active can help with:

better sleep – by making you feel more tired at the end of the day

happier moods – physical activity releases feel-good hormones that make you feel better in yourself and give you more energy

managing stress, anxiety or intrusive and racing thoughts – doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times

better self-esteem – being more active can make you feel better about yourself as you improve and meet your goals

reducing the risk of depression – studies have shown that doing regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression

connecting with people – doing group or team activities can help you meet new and like-minded people, and make new friends.

You don’t have to gear up for a triathlon, or compete with your friends’ 10 mile runs they do without breaking a sweat. It’s all about what works for you. Whether that is an early morning stroll with a friend, taking the dog for a run or playing tag with the kids in the local park.

What does the Scout Store team do to look after themselves?

At Scout Store we asked some of our colleagues what they do to keep their mental wellbeing in a good place. Here’s what they said:

“Cycling to work helps puts me in a better frame of mind to deal with the challenges the day may bring. It also helps maintain my weight loss which equates to five stone over the last three years. Taking up cycling has also help grow my social network giving me greater support.”

'I cycle not to win races or be competitive, but because of the sense of freedom it gives. I once left home on my bike with a backpack, tent and sleeping bag and as I rode I realised I was only planning a weekend, but equipped as I was, I could just keep on going as far and as long as I wanted, with very little requirement for money.”

'I jog 3-5 times a week without fail now. It gives me a sense of calm, I escape my busy household for a while and it absolutely reduces my stress. I don’t do it to compete with others (although I do love a Personal Best) but, it means I am a more productive and a happier person, simply from getting my feet on the street!”

“For me it’s all about the morning dog walk. It’s my time to plan my day and start off with a positive attitude.”

“Cycling has always been an integral part of my life. From just a game when I was a kid to being almost my job in my years of competitive racing. Those happy years long gone now but I try to keep cycling as a daily routine to maintain my fitness, socialise with fellow riders but probably even more importantly to keep my own sanity.

Cycling is my personal moment, when I am no longer a dad, a husband or an employee. It is just me, David, in my own particular little world. And no doubt that the best ideas and decisions in my life have come up while pedalling on my bike.”

Who is Mind?

Did you know, Mind is a partner of the Scouts as part of the A Million Hands programme, until 2023, to help reach and support more young people in the UK. Find out more about A Million Hands and the Mind partnership here.

You can read more about exercise and mental health from Mind, here. Thank you to Mind for the valuable resources available to improve our wellbeing.