Happy New Year! But where did last year go? Yes, it is that time of the year again when the New Year resolution crew make their annual appearance.  They say the road to hell is paved with good intention and when it comes to New Year Resolutions, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Sticking to your New Year’s resolution can often be an impossible task.

Each year thousands vow to change their lifestyle through exercising more, eating less or spending less. However research has shown that in 2017, 1 in 5 quit within a week.

“Yesterday I started my diet. Thank god it is over”

Many embark on a program of staying fit and healthy through regular exercise and eating healthily. But it’s not just your physical health that will benefit; there is also your mental health and research has shown that regular exercise can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing.

Regular exercise does not always involve spending hours in the gym or running for miles. Benefits to your mental health can just as equally be achieved by taking a brisk walk. Joining a local gym can however promote your social inclusion and this will mean you doing something different and getting outside the house and trying something new instead of staring at the four walls.

You can meet new people and make new friends. This can lift your spirits, boost your confidence and generally make you feel better. Overall it is great for your mental health wellbeing.

Taking regular exercise can also have a positive impact on your stress and anxiety levels. Exercise can also prevent mental health problems developing and promote the recovery of an existing mental health problem. It can also be an alternative to medication or used in combination; Research has shown that exercise can be as effective as anti-depressants in treating depression.

Research has also shown that exercise in later life can knock at least ten years off the age of your brain thus sustaining prolonged cognitive abilities. But why wait until you are older?

So if your New Year’s resolution is to exercise more, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Take it step by step to begin with as this can make all the difference. The benefits to your health, both mental and physical are endless.