- Regular exercise, promoted through DFC’s challenge of 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days, significantly reduces stress and enhances mood, contributing to a happier, more vibrant society. Scott Armstrong, mental health advocate and Founder of mentl.space, a mental health advocacy, content, and workplace well-being consultancy, explores how DFC supports mental wellbeing for World Mental Health Month
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: While the physical rewards of regular physical exercise are clear, there are also countless mental health benefits to look forward to when making a pledge to move more. Once these positive feelings start kicking in, a brighter outlook follows along with an improved mental toughness, which in turn serve as powerful momentum to keep going.
Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) encourages participants to consider the holistic benefits of pledging to move for 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Returning for its eighth edition from Saturday 26th October, the Challenge not only inspires people of all ages and abilities to get moving, but also puts their minds to work by testing their resolve and focusing their attention.
The mind-body connection
According to The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora, M.D, it is proventhat our anatomy is intrinsically linked to our emotions, and maintaining a healthy physical body is key to mental well-being. Physical activity has been shown time and time again to improve overall mood in people of all ages, and the great news is that something as simple as a 30-minute walk constitutes an impactful activity.
Incredible fuel for a brighter mood, even the daily achievement of simply showing up for a workout positively contributes to one’s self-confidence before a workout has begun.
And the even better news is that a workout does not necessarily need to push the body to the max to count. Studies have shown that even spending time concentrating on the body’s functions during activities such as deep breathing or meditation can improve blood flow and loosen muscles, leading to a more relaxed state and, in turn, offering a mental health boost
The science behind the sensations
Most people have felt that post-run buzz or skipped out of a gym class fizzing with endorphins, but what is the science behind this magic medicine we call movement?
The psychological mechanisms are fascinating. Regular physical activity improves the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. The HPA axis is key to our stress responses and regulates mood, immune function, digestion, energy balance, and the sleep-wake cycle.
Exercise promotes a more balanced stress response and reduces overactivation of the HPA axis. In essence, training the HPA axis to respond more effectively leads to better stress management and overall health.
A balm for an anxious brain
In simple terms, putting our bodies through physical challenges helps train them to cope, become more familiar with, and better equipped to manage our anatomical responses. Regular exercise that increases the heart rate reduces levels of anxiety by making our brain’s fight-or-flight system less reactive. People suffering from anxiety can build up more of a tolerance of feelings of fear, such as a quickened heartbeat, by exercising regularly.
Fitness with friends
Exercising with a friend adds accountability and fun and offers some lesser-known benefits. Research shows that moving in sync with someone else can positively impact self-esteem. And we’re not talking about choreographed routines – even matching a movement as simple as a bicep curl can have a positive effect. The study found that coordinated movements foster feelings of social connection, enhance solidarity, and boost overall contentment. This insight sheds light on why humans across cultures have long sought shared experiences through group dance, movement, rituals, and song.
Paving the way for wellness
Looking ahead, the good feelings garnered from exercise also refuel determination and serve as powerful momentum to keep up new-found fitness routines. A better mood makes for a more positive outlook and self-belief, aiding a virtuous circle of motivation.
Unlock a brighter future with DFC
Now is the time to embrace a healthier lifestyle as Dubai transforms into a citywide fitness arena for the 30 days of DFC. All ages and abilities can discover thousands of feel-good activities across free fitness villages and hubs, community-led activities, and flagship events for all. Taking place from Saturday, 26 October to Sunday 24 November, DFC is the perfect opportunity to engage in some happiness-inducing exercise for just 30 minutes a day for 30 days.
A diverse array of free activities, from basketball and swimming to cycling, gym sessions, three free fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and mass participation events, including Dubai Ride, presented by DP World, Dubai Stand Up Paddle, Presented by RTA (Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority), and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai – and so much more promise to offer a joyful spike in self-esteem and community camaraderie. Seasoned athletes and complete beginners alike are welcome. With a wide range of activities tailored for beginners and plenty of support along the way, participants have plenty of fun and simple ways to get active. Every movement counts – from a gentle yoga session in the park or a leisurely walk along the beach to simply dancing through the household chores, racing up the office stairs or walking through the neighbourhood.
DFC is organised by Dubai’s Department for Economy Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council with Presenting Partners DP World, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Association Partners Sun and Sand Sports, The Brain and Performance Centre – A DP World Company, Decathlon, dubizzle, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, e&, La Roche Posay, MIRA Developments, talabat, Whoop, Shamal – Kite Beach; Official Partners Dubai Chambers, Emarat; Media Partner Arabian Radio Network (ARN); and Government Partners Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Police, Ministry of Education, Event Security Committee and Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Completing the 30×30 not only improves fitness levels but also offers shared experiences bursting with camaraderie, support, and motivation. Sign up today at www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com to embark on a fulfilling journey to a healthier, more mindful future.
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