We are constantly advised that exercise is good for us, as a result we sometimes gloss over the advice or ignore it. What if you looked at it from the point of view that you are being kind to yourself? Phyllis Woodfine explains more.

There is research to suggest that exercise and activity is good for the mind and body. You will have enhanced creativity, alertness and reduced physical ailments.

As an Osteopath and mindset coach I advocate keeping the body in as optimum a condition as you can. This leads to a better frame of mind, reduced mental angst and improved movement of the joints. Whatever your level of fitness you can improve it.

You can boost your brain power by regularly going for walks or getting out into the garden and doing some gentle gardening. By getting the body moving you improve the circulation of blood and oxygen around the body including to the brain.

Whilst we have had social distancing in 2020 (I prefer the term physical distancing) it is not too late to change some of the impacts of the pandemic and gain improved mental and physical wellbeing going forward.

If you have an active body, research has suggested that you can boost your self-esteem, enhance cognitive functioning and improve your sleep. Just going for a walk 15 minutes in one direction and 15 minutes back you would have done 30 minutes of exercise – and how easy would it be to do half an hour in each direction? The benefits are tremendous for your well-being and the effects are quickly felt.

Here are 5 reasons to keep active and exercise:

• Your brain increases in size and can form new neural connections due to the increased blood flow

• You will get a mood boost due to the naturally release happy hormones

• GABA (neuro transmitters) are released with mindful exercise such as Yoga/Pilates which help to relieve stress

• Improved sleep can lead to a boost in mental health and enhanced immune system

• There is reduced age-related cognitive decline with regular exercise

Be kind to your body and have an improved physical and mental wellbeing at the same time.

About the Author – Phyllis Woodfine is an Osteopath Master NLP coach and also a Lecturer at both UCO (formerly BSO) and LSO osteopathic colleges. Being a keen gardener the obvious route of combining her love of gardening and her love for osteopathy came to fruition in 2012 when she decided to open the Garden Studio Osteopaths in the wonderful setting of a garden. Find out more and contact Phyllis via her website here