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A brief 15-minute daily exercise session can enhance mental health more significantly than indulging in an expensive wellness retreat, as revealed by a recent study. The research observed individuals from the UK, US, and Australia who had attended a wellness retreat in the previous year to evaluate its effect on their mental well-being.
During the trial, participants added a 15-minute movement break into their daily schedule for just one week. As a result, they experienced a 21% uplift in mental well-being, which exceeded the advantages they gained from pricey retreats.
Prior to the trial, participants completed an initial survey detailing their retreat experiences and perceived advantages, documented their daily mood, and answered a concluding questionnaire at the week’s end.
The research, overseen by Dr. Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London and sponsored by ASICS, found that 71 per cent of participants deemed daily movement more effective for stress reduction.
It provided a greater mood enhancement for 65 per cent of participants, while 73 per cent reported more enduring mental health benefits compared to their wellness vacations.
As a result, sportswear brand ASICS has enlisted actor, writer and wellness advocate Natasha Rothwell as its Everyday Escape Concierge.
The campaign seeks to illustrate that wellness can be achieved without spending large sums or traveling far; instead, it encourages everyone to tap into the power just outside their door by using bodily movement to uplift their minds.
Natasha said: “Your Everyday Escape could be a walk, a stretch, a dance in your kitchen. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’s yours. Wellness shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be something we can all access, every day.”
In addition to the trial, ASICS conducted a global survey of 11,000 individuals who have attended wellness retreats. From those surveyed in the UK, it was found that they travel an average of over 1,500km to attend these wellness holidays.
However, 63 per cent said they failed to meet all expectations, with 72 per cent reporting that any wellness benefits faded shortly after returning home.
Dr Brendon Stubbs added: “It’s incredible to see the impact 15 minutes of movement can have on mental wellbeing. The trial shows that small movement breaks can boost mood and reduce stress more effectively than a wellness holiday.
“All the participants said they’d be continuing to take movement breaks moving forward and 81 per cent said they’re now prioritising movement for their wellbeing over attending another retreat. A week away may give a short-term boost, but exercise delivers long-term benefits.”
