Exercise isn’t just about keeping us physically in shape, it’s also about our mental health. It is even more important than the physical, because without mental health, there is no physical health.

Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that make us feel good and it’s the feeling good that helps with self-esteem. Exercise not only improves our mental health, but also helps us sleep better, look better and feel better.

Exercise also gives us me time, so that we can take time out, away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it's another good way to booster your feelings of self-worth and confidence.

Taking part in any form of exercise that we enjoy contributes to a goal and gives us a sense of purpose that help in other areas of our life too. In order to continue to contribute to our mental health, we must continue to exercise regularly.

Added benefits of exercise include:

• Improved sleep;
• A sense of achievement;
• Less tension, mental fatigue and stress;
• Allows us to focus more;
• Gives us a healthy appetite;
• A better social life;
• Exercise is fun;
• A natural energy boost;
• Helps with anger and frustration issues.

I’m not sure how many of us will link exercise to mental health and vice versa, particularly when our focus of exercise is to make us look good. Exercise should always come secondary to our reasons for doing it.

Physical and mental health should be the uppermost thoughts in our mind, when it comes to exercise and not how we look.