“If you want to optimise your exercise regime for your mental health, according to our research, exercising for 45 minutes at a time, three to five times a week, has the most beneficial mental health effects,” says Dr Adam Chekroud of Yale School of Medicine. He is the co-author of one of the biggest studies into exercise and mental health, which looked at 1.2 million adults in the US. Just being in nature has also been shown to have beneficial mental health effects. Beyond that, the mental health charity Mind has a directory of fitness classes and other outdoor activities on its website (mind.org.uk), many of which are free. Explain your mental health challenges to them and have them tailor an appropriate programme; speak to your doctor to ensure your workout is medically safe.

Source: The Guardian December 02, 2019 09:56 UTC