Lotus People are so proud to announce that we are donating $500 from every placement made in October to mental health awareness charity, batyr. Mental Health impacts one in four of us and this month, as well as raising funds for the charity, we will also be sharing our own personal stories and any useful resources and tips that we have found useful.

The physical benefits of exercise are well known to all, and the main motivator behind most people’s exercise routines. In the below interview, Eva shares how regular exercise has impacted her mental health;

What effect has exercise had on your mental health and wellbeing? 

Since exercising regularly, I have seen drastic changes in my mental wellbeing. I have always been a ‘morning person’ but found that exercising for 45 minutes in the morning before work really sets me up for the day. I have more mental energy and clarity!

How long after routinely exercising did you notice a change in your mental state? 

When I lived in the UK, I used to count walking to work and back as my daily exercise. When I arrived in Sydney, I found that most people I met included an hour of exercise in their daily routine regardless of their circumstances. Feeling left out I joined the gym and haven’t looked back since. I noticed a change in my mental state after a couple of weeks of getting into a routine.

How did you discover that cardio works best for you? What have you tried that you didn’t enjoy? 

I really enjoy cardio and found it to have the most noticeable positive effects on my mental wellbeing. I enjoy spin classes, running, and swimming. I have tried yoga a few times but unfortunately it isn’t for me!

What advice would you have for someone that wants to get into exercise for their mental health? 

 I would highly recommend it! I signed up to a gym that hosts a variety of classes and activities from meditation to kickboxing. After trying most things once I soon discovered the types of exercise that work for me.