'Run for Autism' - Benefits of Exercise

Running is not generally something I do for fun (due to me being quite uncoordinated), however recently I came across the 'Run for Autism' fundraiser which took my interest as I am very passionate about supporting autistic children and adolescents. The aim is to run 70km in October which will be a challenge but I decided I am up for it!

I do love exercise but usually I prefer Les Mills classes and I recently took up Pilates (highly recommend!) However I know that running will be good for me and this is a great excuse to get started!

Exercise is extremely important and beneficial, not only for physical health but also mental health. Research shows that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing. Exercise has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Exercise is often underestimated in its influence on emotional well-being (or we just forget about it!). If you or your child/teen are experiencing any mental health difficulties or emotional dysregulation, I would highly recommend starting some sort of exercise regime. This could be something as simple as walks, or a sport/activity that you and/or your child enjoy. It is amazing the effect that endorphins and other chemicals influenced by exercise will have on your mood and general wellbeing.

Since I have started running over the past week, I have noticed I always feel calm and refreshed afterwards. I do find it very challenging during the run, however it is so worth it (plus the sense of achievement at the end is so worth it!)

The hardest part of exercise is actually starting the workout. People say that your mind will give up before your body, and I can relate to this. Before exercise, it can be very easy for my mind to talk me out of it before I’ve even begun. But once I’ve started, I actually really enjoy it and it is never as hard as my brain tells me it will be!

For more information on the benefits of exercise and tips to get started, see the below link:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health

I would recommend to set a goal and develop a schedule for your exercise, beginning with shorter/lower intensity and building up.

Thanks for reading my first blog post! Stay tuned for further posts and resources :)

Kiera