April marks the start of Stress Awareness Month, a campaign held every year which aims to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. According to the Mental health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. Read more about Stress Awareness Month and discover handy resources to help you deal with stress, here.

Exercise is a fantastic stress-buster. When we exercise, not only does your body release chemicals called endorphins which trigger positive feelings, but as your heart rate rises the body pumps more blood to the brain. This surge of blood means more oxygen and energy which makes our brains perform better.

Exercising in a way that we enjoy means we are more likely to be motivated to keep it up. Any movement helps, from a gentle walk or yoga session to a run or cardio workout.

Have you ever given High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) a go? Alongside the physical benefits that this kind of training can bring about, it turns out it’s great for mental health too and can reduce stress and anxiety.

HIIT workout routines are short and easy to follow so you can squeeze in these mood-boosting bursts without scheduling your whole day around it.

A study reported that these workouts can alter your brain by boosting a protein called BDNF, which is involved in regulating brain function and mood. Low levels of BDNF are associated with depression. Why not try one of Sport Aberdeen’s HIIT sessions on YouTube?

Read up on more benefits of HIIT here.