Regular exercise should and must be a compulsory component of everyone’s health regime. Not only does the incorporation of regular exercise improve one’s overall well-being, but it also plays a role in keeping spirits high. A natural way to boost dopamine and serotonin levels, regularly exercising can be a gamechanger if added into daily routines. 

According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), out of four treatments (supervised exercise, home-based exercise, antidepressant therapy, and placebo pill), the group with regular exercise reported lower depression scores than their less active counterparts. They also had higher rates of remission than other groups, concluding that exercise is important for both treatment and long-term management of mental disorders such as depression (in this case). 

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has made a considerable dent on concerns surrounding physical health globally, but the unprecedented effect it has had on everyone’s mental health is staggering. Partly due to the pandemic itself and indirectly through restrictions such as working from home and social isolation, this is the first time in a long while where individuals are spending a lot of time on their own, with a lot of it going to social media and other digital platforms. From loneliness and anxiety over job loss and security, to grieving over the loss of loved ones to the pandemic, people all around the world took a hit with their emotional resilience. 

This has shed light on the importance of having a regular routine in place, especially since we can’t be too sure ourselves of just exactly when the pandemic will whittle down. 

Why mental well-being is just as important as your physical health 

Understanding why exercise is pivotal to your physical and mental well-being can bring about many benefits. It’s clear that regular exercise keeps your endurance, stamina, and strength levels up. It also helps by increasing your immune system’s ability to fight off diseases better and provide you with more energy to tackle everyday chores. By delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, your cardiovascular system works more efficiently, improving your lung and heart health. 

What’s less discussed is the prominent effects of exercise on one’s mental well-being. In today’s age, it’s more important than ever to pay special attention to how we feel and perceive things on a daily basis. In just the last year (2020) alone, people are spending an average of 145 minutes on social media everyday, up from the previous years. Not only has it increased access to information and self expression, but it has also heightened everyday distractions and worsened privacy issues on the flipside. If not taken care of, this increased use can and will impact individuals with their sense of self, confidence, and well-being. 

Exercising regularly inadvertently will improve sleep cycles, reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and boost your mood. With your mental well-being in a better place, you’ll be healthier physically as well. Your mental and physical well-being are inextricably linked, so exercise can help both elements work in tandem to keep you in better shape for a longer time. 

The best part about exercising regularly? With your overall well-being in a good place, you will be paying much less for medical care and services. Exercising regularly keeps your premiums for GP and hospital insurance plans low. 

Benefits of exercising regularly 

Perhaps laying out the benefits will be the push you need! Incorporating exercise into your daily routine need not be difficult. There are many different types of exercise that you can choose from. During the WFH period that began in 2020, home-based exercises saw an evolution of its own kind. From yoga and pilates to HIIT workouts, take your pick and reap the benefits starting today! 

• Mood enhancement
• Improving your decision-making and coping mechanisms 
• Developing resilience both physically and mentally
• Lowered medical costs as a result of being in better shape and health 

Exercising regularly will help you stay out of the hospital longer, which is a good thing for your health insurance premiums, especially if you’re an expat living and working here in Singapore. Nonetheless, as insurance brokers, we still recommend that you supplement your well-being with a basic medical insurance package. For expats here, medical costs without the support of an insurance package can skyrocket easily with just a few days spent in the hospital.  

Staying protected during rainy days 

Our team urges expats and locals alike to stay protected, especially for the unforeseen circumstances and turn of events that can occur. If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s the importance of being well prepared and protected. The basics of a GP insurance and hospital insurance plan can keep you covered and give you the access to medical services you need without concern over financial costs. Speak to a specialist today for tailored packages.