Doing Well

Abigail Olasehinde: Moving Your Body, Boosting Your Mind | Doing Well #36

In the podcast, Abigail discusses exercise’s impact on the body and mind. She explains that physical activity can release neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which positively affect mood and help reduce stress.

Meet Abigail Olasehinde

Abigail holds a first degree in medical physiology. However, driven by her desire to combat the stigmatization of mental health in Nigeria, she diversified her expertise by pursuing Psychology four years after being certified as a physiologist.

She is the founder and lead therapist of Belwet Mind Clinic. She is passionate about bridging the mental health gap in Nigeria. She actively raises awareness through various channels, including social media platforms, where she shares posts, articles, and reels. She also conducts live sessions to educate and support individuals.

Abigail also works as the lead therapist of FriendnPal, a mental health AI chatbot. FriendnPal aims to provide affordable and accessible therapeutic services to individuals in Africa and beyond, allowing them to receive support from the comfort of their homes.

About the episode

In this podcast, Abigail delves into the different types of exercise and their impact on neurotransmitter release. The most important part of choosing the most suitable type of exercise is based on individual factors. These factors include physical health, mental health, and personal preferences.

Abigail provides practical recommendations to help individuals start exercising:

Tune in to some music and dance: Listening to music can be a great way to motivate oneself to move and engage in physical activity.
Find a friend or workout buddy: Exercising with a friend or finding a workout partner can provide motivation and accountability. Having someone to accompany you during exercise can make the experience more enjoyable and help you stay committed to your fitness goals.
Keep an exercise journal: By documenting your “why,” goals, and tracking your progress over time, you can maintain strong motivation and consistency in your exercise routine.
Set small, achievable goals: Start with short durations, like 2 minutes daily, to establish sustainable exercise habits without overwhelming yourself. Gradually increase the duration as you progress.
Find exercises you enjoy: Discover activities that you genuinely enjoy, such as dancing or participating in sports. Pairing exercise with fun makes it feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable activity.
Consider individual needs: When choosing an exercise routine, consider your current strength, flexibility, and mental health needs. Practices like meditation may be more beneficial for individuals with anxiety.
Maintain overall well-being: Stay hydrated by drinking water, prioritize quality sleep, follow a balanced and unprocessed diet, and incorporate light self-care rituals alongside exercise. This holistic approach maximizes the benefits for your overall well-being.
Adopt a growth mindset: Shift your focus from past failures to achievements and learning. Use positive self-talk to motivate and encourage continued progress in your exercise journey.

In conclusion

The podcast highlights the strong connection between physical activity and mental health/well-being. While exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, individual factors require tailoring workouts to ability and considering mental state. Small, consistent goals are best for developing a sustainable routine.

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