Stopping working out for a week if you’re a regular exerciser can have the same effect on your mental wellbeing as seven nights of broken sleep, says new research.
Running brand ASICS led an experiment in which regular exercisers paused their normal fitness routines for one week.
Physical inactivity caused a 23% increase in racing thoughts for participants.
When active people stopped moving, their confidence dropped by 20% and sense of positivity declined by 16%.
Energy levels slumped too by 23% and the ability to cope with stress reduced by 22%.
A week later, people returned to their regular workout routines and all experienced ‘immediate’ improvements in their wellbeing.
The brand also found just 15 minutes and nine seconds of physical activity is all it takes to lift someone’s mood somewhat.
Professor Brendon Stubbs, who researches the impact of movement on the mind, said: ‘We know that exercise is good for our mental health but the impact of rest and restarting exercise is less clear.
‘Now, thanks to new technology and the contribution of thousands of people, we’ve been able to pinpoint just how much exercise is needed to trigger a positive mental impact.
‘This study helps to quantify the amount of exercise to improve mental health and make it more tangible.’
He adds that rest is important though, and people should pause when they need to.
‘This study shows that people’s wellbeing bounces back very quickly after a period of rest when people resume regular exercise again,’ Stubbs said.
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