Join the NRL’s State of Mind program to get physically and mentally fit

Health and fitness expert Adam MacDougall is partnering with up with the NRL’s State of Mind program to help people get physically and mentally fit — and you can sign up too.

The 2021 NRL season has just kicked off, which can only mean one thing: beer and pie sales nationwide are about to go through the roof.

Seriously, there’s never been a better time to own a stake in Four’N Twenty.

Over the course of the footy season most of us will probably eat our body weight in pies, and drink the same again in beer – especially if your team loses more than it wins.

In fact, studies have found that on the Monday after your team loses, people consume 10 per cent more calories and 16 per cent more saturated fat than normal as we try to eat away our heartache.

Former rugby league player Adam MacDougall is partnering with the NRL’s State of Mind program. Picture: Supplied

And that’s bad news all around. As we now know that our physical and mental health are intrinsically tied together, so chances are if you’re feeling a bit ordinary in one department, the other one’s not going to be feeling the best either.

Which is why I’m partnering up with the NRL’s State of Mind program to help get rugby league fans physically and mentally fit, as well as raise funds for mental health.

On Monday, you can join a host of former NRL stars and get fit without even having to leave your living room when you sign up to the NRL Man Challenge and Lady Challenge – a home-based exercise and nutrition program.

You don’t need any fancy equipment, or a gym membership and I won’t be asking you to walk away from the pies and beers entirely, either. This is about getting fit the fun way, and we’ll all be taking the journey together.

But if you’re struggling with some extra pie-pudge around the middle, or with your mental health, there are some simple hacks you can do at home right now to give your body and mind a positive lift that will get you back to feeling fully-charged in no time.

THREE BEST WAYS TO EXERCISE YOUR MOOD

1. HIT means happy

Research has shown that high-intensity exercise can effectively prevent and treat depression, so it’s absolutely worth making time in your schedule to work up a sweaty.

It doesn’t even have to be for long, either – studies have shown that even five minutes of exercise a day can reduce anxiety and have you feeling better.

Meat pies shouldn’t be part of your everyday diet, Adam MacDougall says.

2. Eat your way calm

Research has consistently shown than a key ingredient for a healthy state of mind is Omega-3 fatty acid, which can commonly be found in fatty fish like salmon.

Fermented foods like kimchi, yoghurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut are also great for your gut thanks to the probiotics they contain, and considering 90 per cent of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in your gut, it’s important.

3. Be mindful

Having an “attitude of gratitude” is more than just a trendy saying – countless studies have shown that focusing on what you’re grateful for, whether big or small, can increase happiness and lower depression. Try placing a journal next to your bed and start your morning by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day – you’ll be amazed at the positive effects it can create.

GET FIT AND HEALTHY WITH ADAM MACDOUGALL

Lose the beer gut without losing all the beers at themanshake.com.au

Adam MacDougall is the creator of The Man Shake. A new, healthy, weight loss shake that is low in sugar, full of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals that you can have on the run and leaves you feeling full.

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