A celebrity exercise selfie is no new thing – but Lena Dunham’s mid-workout snap just won the award for the most inspirational Instagram ever.
The Girls actress took to Instagram to post a sweaty picture of herself in her exercise gear in an attempt to encourage those suffering with mental health issues to get active too.
Along with the motivational pic, she explained to her followers how exercise has ‘helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible’.
She wrote: ‘Promised myself I would not let exercise be the first thing to go by the wayside when I got busy with Girls Season 5 and here is why: it has helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible.
‘To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it’s mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I’m glad I did.
‘It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain.’
HOW DOES EXERCISE HELP WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES?
According to Dr Mark Silvert, Consultant Psychiatrist at The Blue Tree Clinic, Harley Street, exercise is crucial. Why?
‘Exercise increases endorphin and serotonin levels in our brain – these chemicals make us feel happy.
‘Research has found sufferers of anxiety, OCD, depression and other mental health issues may have lower levels of serotonin in their brains than non-sufferers.
‘Doing exercise will also make us feel more in control over our body and mind which will increase motivation to continue with it.’
Top three tips to introduce exercise into your life:
1. Don’t overdo it. Even just going for a short walk is a good way to start. If your lifestyle allows it, welcoming a dog into your home is a great way to encourage those walks.
2. Doing something with friends or family can be rewarding too. Find a gym buddy so you’re not going alone and you’ll end up motivating each other.
3. If you’re not a fan of the gym, Yoga. is excellent. It is calming and can involve classes which are sociable.
Lena, who was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as a child and has admitted she still takes anti-depressants now, went on to thank celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson for ‘showing her the light.’
A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Apr 11, 2015 at 4:47pm PDT
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