Boosting Mental Health Through Movement: The Mind-Body Connection

It’s no secret that exercise benefits the body but what’s often overlooked is how powerful it can be for the mind. Regular movement doesn’t just build strength and stamina; it can lift mood, improve focus, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and enhance overall quality of life.

At Northside Allied Health, we believe movement is medicine. Our team has seen firsthand how the right exercise plan can transform both physical and emotional wellbeing.

The Importance of Movement for Mental Health

Exercise provides both physiological and psychological benefits that contribute to improved mood, resilience, and daily function. Here’s how it helps:

Mood Enhancement and Emotional Regulation

Physical activity stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which help lift mood, reduce stress, and support emotional stability. Even a short walk can trigger these natural mood boosters.

Improved Sleep Quality

Regular movement promotes more restorative sleep patterns helping you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Enhanced Focus, Motivation, and Cognitive Function

Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, improving concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. It’s one of the simplest ways to clear mental fog and increase productivity.

Improved Self-Efficacy

Each time you move, you reinforce confidence in your ability to take control of your health. Over time, exercise builds self-belief, motivation, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Symptom Management for Mental Health Conditions

Exercise has well-documented benefits for reducing symptoms of:

• Anxiety and stress

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Bipolar disorder

• Substance use disorders

  
  

Physical Health Improvements

Beyond the mind, exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cardiovascular fitness, enhances body composition, and helps prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.

Increased Quality of Life

By supporting both mental and physical health, regular movement encourages greater independence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

Best Types of Exercise for Mental HealthAerobic Exercise

There is strong evidence that aerobic activity offers significant benefits for managing anxiety and depression.

• Aim for 150 minutes per week (about 30 minutes most days).

• Activities include walking, swimming, cycling, or running.

• These exercises release endorphins and promote overall emotional balance.

Strength Training

Lifting weights, using resistance bands, or performing bodyweight exercises improves confidence, energy levels, and mobility.

• Strength training helps regulate mood and fosters a stronger connection between mind and body.

• It’s especially beneficial when incorporated into a structured, progressive program.

  
  

Tips for Getting Started

• Choose movement you enjoy - the more enjoyable it feels, the more likely you are to stick with it.

• Start small and stay consistent - even short bouts of movement add up.

• Seek guidance and supervision from a qualified professional for safety and accountability.

• Engage long-term - ongoing participation in either group or individual sessions can reduce symptoms and build lasting positive relationships with exercise.

Why See an Exercise Physiologist for Mental Health?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can design and guide a program that supports both your mental and physical wellbeing.

We provide:

• Individualised exercise programs tailored to your health needs and goals

• Structure and accountability to help you stay consistent

• Clinical understanding of medications and coexisting health conditions

• Empathy for mental health challenges and barriers to exercise

• Education and encouragement to build confidence and autonomy

• Multidisciplinary support, working alongside GPs, psychologists, and other allied health professionals

• Evidence-based practice aligned with current mental health research

At Northside Allied Health, We Can Provide:

• Telehealth and home visit options for flexibility and comfort

• A multidisciplinary team, including Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists, Dietitians, and our Social Coordinator

• Collaboration with your GP or mental health team

• 1:1 sessions or group classes depending on your preference

• Goal setting and rapport building to support long-term change

• Education to empower healthier lifestyle habits

• Private and Medicare-funded options available

Our Perspective

Our founder and director, Liz, personally understands the life-changing power of movement. After experiencing a stroke in 2014, Liz has seen firsthand how exercise can accelerate recovery not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Her journey inspired the creation of Northside Allied Health and continues to guide our holistic, compassionate approach to care.

📚 References

Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: A review. Cureus, 15(1).

Mikkelsen, K., Stojanovska, L., Polenakovic, M., Bosevski, M., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2017). Exercise and mental health. Maturitas, 106, 48–56.

Lederman, O., Grainger, K., Stanton, R., Douglas, A., Gould, K., Perram, A., ... & Rosenbaum, S. (2016). Consensus statement on the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists within the treatment of mental disorders: a guide for mental health.