2 MINS 14 SECONDS
L I V E
W E L L
Candice De Mendonca is a personal trainer and sports nutritionist from Johannesburg. At school she earned SA colours for cross country, as well as provincial colours for athletics, hockey and swimming, then completed a degree in sports development, qualified as a personal trainer and sports masseuse, and went on to study sports nutrition as well. Today she has her own meal prep brand called GI Jane( low-GI food, hence the name). More info at https:// thefitnesshybrid. com.
Bring on the Endorphins
We’ ve all heard the saying,“ Exercise is the most underused antidepressant.” But have you ever wondered why that’ s true?
The link between movement and mental wellbeing isn’ t just an old wives’ tale; it’ s grounded in science and proven by centuries of human experience. The truth is, exercise isn’ t just about chiseling abs or training for a marathon— it’ s a cornerstone of mental health, and it can radically transform you and your productivity throughout the day.
Imagine your brain as a garden, and your thoughts as plants. Physical activity is like sunlight and water combined— it nourishes, energises, and allows everything to flourish. When you move, your brain releases endorphins, those wonderful chemicals that make you feel euphoric and less stressed. It’ s like your brain’ s way of saying,“ Hey, thanks for taking care of me!”
But it doesn’ t stop there. Exercise also helps regulate hormones like cortisol, which is often dubbed the‘ stress hormone.’ Too much cortisol can make you feel anxious, irritable, and overwhelmed. This also contributes to a lot of fatty tissue buildup around the belly region.
By keeping cortisol levels in check, exercise helps you maintain emotional balance and a positive outlook.
Have you ever noticed how a walk in the park clears your mind? Or how a morning jog makes you feel like you can tackle anything? There’ s a reason for that. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your grey matter.
This boost in circulation can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and sharpen your focus. Essentially, movement helps your brain stay in peak
condition, making it easier to think clearly and solve problems. Hence why walking is recommended in older people as well as Alzheimer’ s and dementia patients.
Whether you’ re at a desk job, running your own business, or managing a household, we all want to get more done in less time. How can exercise make us more productive?
When you exercise, your body releases a protein called BDNF( brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which acts like a fertiliser for your brain. It supports the growth of new neurons and helps strengthen connections between existing ones. The result? Enhanced creativity, quicker problem solving, and better decision-making, all of which are crucial for a productive day.
Plus, regular movement helps regulate your sleep patterns. A good night’ s sleep is essential for waking up refreshed and ready to tackle your to-do list. When you’ re well-rested, your productivity naturally skyrockets.
The best part about all this? You don’ t need to spend hours at the gym to reap the benefits. Even a brisk 20-minute walk can work wonders for your mental health and productivity. The key is consistency— making movement a regular part of your routine. Kind of like an exercise bank account building up savings.
So, the next time you’ re feeling sluggish, stressed, or stuck in a mental fog, remember that the solution might be as simple as moving your body. Exercise isn’ t just a tool for physical fitness; it’ s a powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life. By prioritising movement, you’ re not just enhancing your mental health— you’ re unlocking your full potential for a happier, more productive day and a happier, more productive YOU.
46 ISSUE 177 | www. modernathlete. co. za