Lifestyle - 01/05/2025
At All for One, we see firsthand the powerful impact movement has not just on the body, but on the mind. More than just a feel-good bonus, exercise is now widely recognised as a clinically effective tool in managing and improving mental health.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, recovering from burnout, or simply looking to boost your mood and focus, movement—especially when guided by evidence-based practices—can help support your mental wellbeing in profound ways.
Physical activity has been shown to increase the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—all of which play a key role in mood regulation. These chemical shifts are associated with reductions in depressive symptoms and increased emotional resilience.
In fact, multiple studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity is as effective as antidepressant medication for some individuals with mild to moderate depression—without the side effects.
Exercise can reduce levels of cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping shift you from a “fight-or-flight” state into a more restful, calm condition. This physiological change supports clearer thinking, better emotional regulation, and reduced symptoms of anxiety.
Mindful forms of movement like yoga and Pilates, in particular, have been linked to decreased anxiety symptoms and improved heart rate variability, which is a marker of nervous system balance.
Poor sleep and chronic fatigue are both common symptoms—and contributors—to mental health challenges. Exercise has been shown to increase slow-wave sleep, the most restorative phase of the sleep cycle, as well as reduce sleep onset latency (how long it takes to fall asleep).
Better sleep improves mood, cognitive performance, and emotional resilience—key pillars of mental wellbeing.
Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, which enhances memory, focus, and processing speed. Aerobic activity, in particular, has been associated with improved executive function and reduced cognitive decline in adults of all ages.
Even light to moderate physical activity can yield measurable improvements in mental clarity and concentration.
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to improve self-esteem and body image, both of which are closely linked to mental health. Participating in small-group sessions like Clinical Pilates or Reformer classes also adds a layer of social connection, which can play a protective role in emotional wellbeing.
Our approach to wellness is holistic, and our team includes physiotherapists, yoga instructors, psychologists, and movement specialists who work collaboratively to support both physical and mental health. Whether through mindful movement, rehabilitative exercise, or women’s health physiotherapy, our focus is always on long-term, sustainable health outcomes.
We believe that moving with purpose can support healing, enhance mental clarity, and build emotional resilience—and the research backs us up.
Beyond Blue. (2022). Exercise and mental health. Retrieved from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Depression in adults: treatment and management.
Cooney, G. M., et al. (2013). Exercise for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Stanton, R., et al. (2020). Exercise and the treatment of depression: A review of the literature. Current Sports Medicine Reports.
Australian Government Department of Health. (2022). Physical activity and mental health.
Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Lifestyle - 01/05/2025
