At Reflex, we value mental health just as much as physical health. Science tells us that exercise and mental health are intertwined and we believe that making quality sports nutrition isn’t just about enhancing body condition, strength and fitness but also about helping reach goals, enhancing wellbeing and ultimately making people feel good ❤
We don't want anything to stop you reaching your goals and feeling your best! So, we've reached out to Reflex Ambassador Nicola Jane Hobbs, Eating and Exercise Psychologist who specialises in psychoeducation for fitness pros, to get her 5 top ways to reduce loneliness through exercise:
Have a walk around your neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood walking is a great way to get to know the people who live closest to you. Research suggests that bumping into your neighbours and having a brief conversation (or even just waving hello across the street!) can increase your sense of belonging and ease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Join a group exercise class.
Research has found that exercise classes reduce feelings of loneliness and increase feelings of social connectedness. Signing up to a beginners course of yoga, boxing or dancing (or any other course that excites you!) can reduce any anxiety as everyone will be a beginner.
Join an online group coaching programme.
If you don’t feel comfortable going to an exercise class in-person, signing up to an online coaching programme is a great alternative. Usually, they run from six to eight weeks and provide workouts and support from a personal trainer or coach, along with an online community of people who are pursuing similar goals to you.
Work out with your partner.
Sometimes you can feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people, because you lack a feeling of closeness and connection. Working out with a loved one is a great way to reconnect and spend time together without distraction.
Borrow a dog.
Taking care of a pet can ease loneliness and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. There are plenty of owners who can’t walk their dogs due to illness or mobility issues, who are looking for support (simply Google ‘volunteer dog walking’ in your area). Animal shelters are often looking for volunteers too.
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