Laura Henshaw: How I redefined my relationship with exercise

Physical exercise can have a profound impact on our mental state. For Laura Henshaw, discovering this was an important step in a journey to a happier life.

Before I had Instagram, I didn't even know what a diet was. Then, when I was 20, I modelled overseas. While I was there, I started to form unrealistic expectations of body types. I started using social media more, and I felt the pressure of being exposed to all those perfect-looking people. Suddenly, I was following all these influencers’ diets and exercise routines.

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 is very active, and I loved playing team sports all through high school. I started cross-country running in years 11 and 12; I was really bad at it when I started! But I learned that if I practised and I trained, I got better. I felt accomplished by the end of year 12.

But then I lost my connection with sport. Going from high school to university, you lose a lot of structure. You can do whatever you want with your time, and now I realise I spent a lot of time trying to look a certain way. I didn’t prioritise my fitness for the right reasons – I was focused on physical outcomes.

In my head, exercise was linked with negativity, with having eaten something bad, instead of it being for myself. Everything was about measurements and calories, instead of just enjoying it and getting what I needed out of it.

When you're focusing on physical things, it's like, "What exercise should I do to lose five kilos?" It's not about what you enjoy, or something you can keep doing – and those things are important. If you're depriving yourself of food and exercising two hours a day, your social life will be affected, too.

I had to work through that and find a connection with exercise again. A more positive relationship that was just for me; something for stress relief.

Now, when I exercise, I feel stronger, which makes me feel empowered. I’m fitter, so I have more energy throughout the day. It's also really de-stressing for my mind. Exercise releases endorphins, so I feel happier. I realise now that exercise is about creating a positive routine, not just a quick fix.

These days, I start my mornings with a workout. It’s my ‘me’ time for the day. I turn my phone on flight mode so I can't get any emails or calls coming through. Then I just do it, and I find I can really clear my head. Life is so busy – it's nice to be able to dedicate time to doing something for myself. Then I know I’m going to be a better person throughout the day.

Running for me is the best way to clear my mind – it’s almost a form of meditation. But I like to do a mix of workouts. I listen to my body. If I'm super tired, I might do yoga or a low-intensity session. Or if I'm really in the mood to de-stress, I will go on that long run. These days, I can use exercise as a stress-release mechanism, whereas before it was something that contributed to it. I find that when I exercise, I have more energy and my mind is clearer. That's the biggest thing: I'm happier.

Sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes I might have a busy week where I can’t fit a workout in. And it’s important to be okay with that. I feel like if I'm too focused, too obsessed, on whether I exercise or not, then it’s going to become a negative. I'm going to make myself think that I'm going to have a bad day because I haven't exercised. But you can’t control everything. You can’t control if you’re busy; you can’t control if you’re injured and have to spend time recovering. What can you take control of? It might be eating a bit better, or sleeping more.

Just do what you can with what you have. You might not have an hour to go for a run; you might only have 15 minutes. That's okay. Be flexible and adaptable, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Your mind (and body) will thank you.

Article 1: All or something give yourself some credit for small, healthy choices
Article 2: Sam Gash: 5 common running mistakes you’re probably making (and how to avoid them)
Article 3: Pump up the volume: Can music help unlock more from your workout?

Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.