These exercises can help combat depression

As Michael Mosley returns with the seventh season of ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’, he and his team take an in-depth look at mental health.

Trust Me I'm A Doctor Zoe Williams climbing

Dr Zoe Williams gets to grips with activities that help combat mental health issues. Source: SBS

You didn’t used to hear much about mental health, but it’s an issue that’s finally receiving increasing attention. That’s a good thing, because, as Michael Mosley states in a special episode of Trust Me, I’m a Doctor dedicated to mental health, one in six people in the UK are dealing with depression or anxiety at any given time.

It’s why this episode, which kicks off season seven, addresses the most common queries about mental health and what steps you can take to ensure yours is in good shape. Steps being the operative word, since both dancing and rock climbing (or “bouldering”) are cited as exercise activities that help with depression and anxiety.

Why? It’s due to the concentration required for those particular activities – since you’re paying attention to where you’re putting your feet, you have less time to dwell on stress and negative thoughts. Trading in the mindless drudgery of the treadmill for a hip-hop class or a spot of indoor climbing might be key to improving your mental health.
Trust Me I'm A Doctor food
You are what you eat - in body and mind. Source: SBS
The episode also looks at the importance of sleep and why laughing helps combat mental health issues – and it’s not as obvious as it sounds. Meanwhile, can certain foods improve your mental state? Spoiler alert: yes, they can.

As season seven continues, you can look forward to a whole host of other health matters being explored. Questions such as whether eating carbs at night is bad for you, and what effects soft drinks and coffee have on you. Plus, frequent fliers will be keen to hear the best ways to reduce jet lag.

 

Season 7 of Michael Mosley: Trust Me, I’m a Doctor starts Monday 5 February at 8:30pm on SBS.

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2 min read
Published 5 February 2018 12:42pm
By Gavin Scott


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