Anger is actually a normal human emotion. Just like sadness, fear, or happiness, it serves a purpose. Anger can signal that something feels unfair, that a boundary has been crossed, or that an important need you have isn’t being met.

In healthy amounts, anger can be helpful. It can motivate us to speak up, make changes, or protect ourselves and others.

THERE IS A BUT!

If you’ve ever felt your heart pound before an important work task, struggled to switch off at night, felt irritated by everything under the sun - you’re not broken — you’re experiencing your nervous system doing its job. Great! Sometimes however, it works a little against us.

Stress and anxiety aren’t just thoughts. They’re full-body experiences driven by your nervous system — your body’s built-in safety and survival system.

Understanding this connection can change how you view anxiety and stress. Instead of fighting yourself, you can begin working with it.

Let’s make this simple.

The positive benefits of exercise on our mood

Physical activity is not just about fitness—it is a powerful tool for supporting emotional wellbeing. Research consistently shows that regular exercise can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental health. For many people, movement becomes an important part of their self-care and wellbeing journey. And that doesn’t have to mean slogging it out in a gym.

How?

Exercise stimulates the release of “feel-good” brain chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. These natural mood boosters can:

• Reduce symptoms of depression

• Ease anxiety

• Reduce tension, irritability and frustration

• Improve emotional resilience

• Support recovery alongside therapy or medication

Even moderate activity—like a brisk walk with the dog—can create noticeable improvements in mood.

Exercise is not a replacement for counselling or mental health treatment, BUT it can be a valuable complement. Part of strategies included in our counselling approach are what’s called Behavioural Activation –promoting a range of activities and actions that you specifically find pleasurable and rewarding and in turn help improve your wellbeing. We understand that exercise may not fit that for you, but we will support you find and implement activities you feel will - and there is a lot of them!

If you’re unsure where to start or want to find out more, get in contact with us.