From releasing endorphins that boost our moods to reducing the number of people suffering from mental health conditions, exercise has several optimistic benefits on our mental health.

Studies conducted in the United States outlined that out of 1.2 million people questioned, those that exercised at least three times a week were found to have 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health each month. Contributing to this, the NHS confirms that just as little as 10 minutes of exercise each day can decrease the number of people that will suffer from a mental health disorder.


About Me, John Gillen

Hi there, I’m John Gillen, director and founder of Rehab Clinics Group. Having turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, in 2002, I, unfortunately, lost control of my addiction and reached what I would class as the lowest part of my life. However, with a great deal of support and help from others, I was able to make a long-term recovery.

Having recovered from my own troubles in life, I set out to make it my mission to help others and opened several rehab clinics in England.

I know first-hand just how difficult and daunting it can be to reach out for help. You may feel as if others will judge you for voicing your concerns regarding your mental health; however, asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Taking that first step and expressing what you are going through takes courage.


What are the Benefits of Regular Gym Routines on Our Mental Health?

Research determines the benefits regular gym routines have on mental health. Exercise not only enables us to maintain and improve our physical fitness, but it also ensures that we can enhance and better our mental health.

In 2018, the NHS reported that exercising and staying active reduces the risk of various mental health disorders, including depression. They further confirmed that individuals that take part in some physical activity were 17% less to suffer from a mental health disorder.

The mental health charity MIND has also addressed the impact exercise has on mental health. The release of endorphins helps reduce pain, increases our happiness and contributes to the management of stress and anxiety. Exercise can also reduce the symptoms and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder and ADHD.

At Rehab Clinics Group, we have first-hand witnessed the increasingly positive impact that fitness has on those who have decided to commit to a substance-free life. This is just one of the many reasons that we continue to incorporate psychological and wellbeing therapies into our treatment programmes.


Just some of the benefits frequently associated with exercising and mental health include;

• For those suffering from anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, creating regular gym routines are proven to reduce symptoms that they experience daily.
• Gym routines increase self-esteem and self-confidence, in turn helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
• Regular gym routines aid a better night’s sleep, minimising the chances of suffering from insomnia.
• Regular gym routines can help those suffering from mental health disorders wean off of their medication.
• Regular gym routines help control any addictions that may be present and prevent those in recovery from relapsing.
• Gym routines help us to relax and keep our worries at bay.
• Exercise provides us with a positive outlook on our day.
• Exercise enables us to create routines that offer a sense of control over our thoughts and feelings.


How Rehab Clinics Group Can Help You

If you are struggling with your mental health, it is imperative that you reach out for support. This could be as simple as talking to a loved one or could include contacting Rehab Clinics Group to voice your concerns and gain an understanding of the professional support available.

Here at Rehab Clinics Group, we have a comprehensive understanding of the many benefits that exercise has on mental health recovery. From my personal experiences to the recovery of individuals that have walked into our private rehab centres, mental health disorders are often at the forefront of addictions that we treat.

We have found that implementing wellbeing activities such as daily group walks has had a profound impact on our client’s mental health.


Other Mental Health Resources Available

In addition to the support that we can provide you with here at Rehab Clinics Group, several other organisations across the country can lend a helping hand in your time of need. These include, but are not limited to;

CALM
From addictions to stress, self-harm to work issues, CALM operates an around the clock confidential helpline and webchat for anyone that needs to discuss the problems and worries that life presents them with.

Mind
Providing support and advice to anyone that reaches out to them regarding their mental health problems, Mind strives to ensure that no one suffers in silence. Regardless of whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression or stress, Mind can provide support via their Infoline and legal line.

No Panic
No Panic is a British charity that offers advice, support and programmes to help those living with phobias, OCD and anxiety-based disorders. Employing various tools to help individuals overcome their fears and anxieties, No Panic offer free advice and memberships to those in need.

Samaritans
One of the UK’s leading suicide support organisations, if you are struggling with your mental health and have experienced suicidal thoughts, please do not be afraid to reach out to the Samaritans. On hand around the clock, they can support you in your time of need.

YoungMinds
A mental health charity specifically launched to help young people navigate their mental health concerns if you are under 18, I would encourage you to contact YoungMinds if you feel unhappy, stressed or anxious.


Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Since March 2020, the Mental Health Foundation have conducted various studies to observe the impact of lockdown and COVID-19 on mental health. These studies have continued to highlight heightened levels of anxiety, with 62% of adults stating that they were anxious about the uncertainty the pandemic placed on them.

It’s now more important than ever during these difficult times that you remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In the same way that you would talk to a doctor if you become physically unwell, I would highly recommend that you speak to someone if you feel like your mental health is harmed.

If you would like to talk to our team, you can call us on 0800 470 0382.

John Gillen,
Director of Rehab Clinics Group