Moving Your Body, Calming Your Mind: The Link Between Exercise and Mental Health

We often think about exercise as a way to stay fit, lose weight, or improve strength. But what’s just as powerful—though often overlooked—is the impact physical activity has on our mental health. Movement has the ability to lift our mood, reduce stress, and help us manage anxiety and depression.

For me, it’s the climb up the Goat Track on Castle Hill or a long walk along The Strand. There’s something about seeing the ocean stretched out from the top of Castle Hill, or walking right alongside it, that makes me feel grounded and calm. Those moments in nature, paired with movement, are how I keep my own mental health strong.

When we move our bodies, we release endorphins—those “feel-good” chemicals that boost mood—while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. Exercise also improves sleep, helps us think more clearly, and gives us a healthy outlet to cope with life’s challenges.

And it doesn’t have to be intense. Even small amounts of movement make a difference. A 20-minute walk on your lunch break, stretching before bed, or dancing in your living room can all support mental wellbeing. Focusing on your breathing during yoga or the rhythm of your footsteps on a walk can bring you into the present moment and calm racing thoughts.

Starting small is often the key. Just ten minutes a day of something you enjoy—walking, swimming, cycling, or even gardening—can make a big difference. Exercising with a friend can add a social boost, and it helps to celebrate the mental and emotional wins, not just the physical ones.

Movement is more than just a workout—it’s an act of self-care. By making space for it in our routines, we’re not just building stronger bodies, we’re also building stronger minds.