30 minutes of activity: What are the benefits?

Just 30 minutes of activity can provide big boosts to your health and wellbeing.

Although the NHS calls for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, by committing yourself to 30 minutes of movement each day, you can get a much-needed recharge for both your physical and mental states.

This may be hard to achieve during times of winter lockdown, when the weather discourages outdoor exercise and all fitness centres are closed due to Covid-19.

So why should you spare half an hour? Student Health and Counseling Services provides these reasons.

Change Your Mood

You may hear friends or family insist they feel better after exercise. That’s not just a myth; there’s science behind it too. Exercise encourages the body’s release of endorphins which increase energy levels and improve your mood.

Exercise in any form will help so just get yourself moving!

Help Your Sleep Patterns

Activity helps you to fall asleep more quickly when you reach bedtime, and the benefits of a good sleep pattern are many. Most importantly, consistent sleep helps you to feel refreshed and energised the following day, and more productive as well.

This enhances your feeling of self-achievement as you may complete more tasks and tick things off your to do list.

Reduce Stress Levels

Including exercise in your day can help to reduce tension and stress levels that may be rising during the day. By releasing that pent-up frustration, it provides a constructive outlet and one that can lead to greater calm throughout the day.

What Counts as Moderate Exercise?

There are many different types of activity, according to the NHS, that count as moderate exercise. These include, but not exclusively:

• Brisk walking
• Water aerobics
• Riding a bike
• Dancing
• Pushing a lawnmower
• Hiking

Need more inspiration? Try some of the exercise videos on our YouTube channel, with high intensity, yoga and pilates sessions available. Get that 30 minutes of activity into your day and feel the benefits!