Laura Henshaw: How I redefined my relationship with exercise to improve my mental wellbeing

ARTICLE

1 March 2026

3 min read

Physical exercise can have a profound impact on our mental health. For Laura Henshaw, discovering the power of exercise for mental health was her turning point toward a healthier, happier life.

Before Instagram, I didn't even know what a diet was. But when I modelled overseas at 20, and started spending more time on social media, I was surrounded by unrealistic standards. Seeing “perfect” bodies online pushed me to follow strict influencer diets and workouts – not for my health, but because I felt pressured.

Falling into the calorie trap

During this time, I wasn't exercising for myself – I was exercising as punishment. I felt that if I ate something ‘bad’ the day before, I had to work it off. It was almost like an equation: I had to burn these calories to look a certain way. It was a really, really negative mindset.

I hadn’t grown up like that. My family has always been very active, and I loved playing team sports all through high school. Exercise gave me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. But at university, without structure, movement shifted from supporting my mental wellbeing to chasing body image goals.

When you're focusing on physical things, it's like, "What exercise should I do to lose five kilos?" That mindset took the joy out of movement and added pressure and stress.

Rebuilding a positive relationship with exercise

After a while, I knew I needed to change. I needed to reconnect with my “why” and rebuild a healthy relationship with exercise. One that centred around how movement made me feel, not how I looked. It was this mindset shift that helped me truly understand the value of exercise for mental health, not just my physical wellbeing.

Now, when I exercise, I feel stronger, which makes me feel empowered. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, so I feel happier.

These days, I start my mornings with a workout. It’s my ‘me’ time. I put my phone on flight mode so I can really clear my head and set a positive tone for the day.

Prioritising movement for mental clarity, not perfection, is what helps me make my habits stick. It’s how I remind myself to do it for life. Because when you move to feel better – not to chase a number on a scale – you build something sustainable.

Listening to my body for better wellbeing

Running for me is the best way to clear my mind – it’s almost a form of meditation. But I’ve learned to mix up my workouts. If I'm super tired, I opt for something gentle like yoga or a low intensity session. Or if I’m stressed, I will go for a long run. Listening to my body keeps exercise supportive, rather than overwhelming.

With this approach, exercise becomes enjoyable again. I have more energy and my mind is clearer. That's the biggest thing: I'm happier.

Letting go of perfection

Life gets busy. Sometimes I might have a busy week where I can’t fit a workout in - and it’s important to be okay with that.

You can’t control everything. But you can support your wellbeing through everyday healthy choices: like eating nourishing food, doing gentle movement, or even getting in a few minutes of activity.

Find your ‘why’ – that’s how you do it for life

When movement supports your mind, it becomes something you come back to – not because you have to, but because it helps you feel grounded. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about meeting yourself where you are and knowing why you show up, so you can keep showing up time and time again.

Laura Henshaw

Laura is the CEO and co-founder of Kic, a health and wellness app helping people change the relationship people have with wellness and themselves. She is also an author, and podcast co-host of the KICPOD.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2026 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

Share

This inspirational content is brought to you by AIA Vitality

AIA Vitality is a science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health,
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.

Stay in touch

Thank you!

Sign up to receive a monthly email featuring articles on health and wellbeing to help you live a healthier, longer, better life.

You have registered for the Content Hub newsletter with all our latest articles on health and wellness information for a healthier, happier and longer life.

First name *

This field is required.

Last name *

This field is required.

Email address *

Must be valid email.

I have read and understood AIA Australia’s privacy policy. I acknowledge and consent to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal information as detailed in the privacy policy.

Please agree with above statements