We all know exercise is important, but did you know it’s great for your mental health? Working out isn’t just about staying in good physical shape. Get inspired by these seven mental health benefits of exercise.
1. Lower Anxiety
Exercise helps lower anxiety, getting your body out of its fight-or-flight response. It also gives you a conducive way to challenge yourself and release pent-up anxiety and even frustrations. Anxiety can be paralyzing for many, so exercise acts as both a physical and mental catalyst to change.
Neurologically, exercise helps lower the hormones that flood your system when you’re anxious and release more of the chemicals that make you feel good.
2. Reduce Stress
High-stress levels are linked with both mental and physical health problems, as well as increased health risks. Exercise combats these effects and reduces the presence of the primary stress hormone, cortisol. By lowering cortisol levels, exercise can help lower and stabilize blood pressure as well.
3. Lower Depression
Depression reduces your motivation to move and can cause you to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. It’s not easy to get out of bed when you’re depressed, let alone plan a workout. But there are many ways to move that aren’t draining, and they can help you lower depression by promoting more feel-good hormones. The physical act of moving is also therapeutic in and of itself. Plus, when you pair your workout with time outdoors, it can have a serious impact on your mood.
4. Build Confidence
Exercise is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to feel insurmountable. In fact, exercise is adaptable to suit your current levels and help you reach new goals. You may start off aiming to walk for 10 minutes a day, then work up toward 20 and 30. Exercise allows you to set strategic goals and work toward them. Ultimately, this leaves you with a sense of pride and achievement that can be great for your mental health.
5. Boost Your Mood
Those feel-good chemicals we mentioned earlier? They’re called endorphins. These are chemical messengers that make you feel positive, upbeat and energized. When you have more endorphins in your system, you’re able to feel more motivated, too. Endorphins are a good way to naturally combat poor mental health, especially if you’re prone to feeling anxious or suffer from frequent or persistent low moods.
6. Raise Energy Levels Naturally
In addition to elevating your mood, endorphins also help boost your energy levels! Exercising can make you feel more alert and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. By raising your heart rate and increasing blood flow, exercise can be a great way to make yourself feel more energetic and combat the fatigue that accompanies mental health struggles.
7. Reduce Physical Pain
Many people who suffer from chronic pain also struggle with their mental health. Living with aches, pains, and reduced mobility can negatively impact your self-image and optimism. Although it may seem like the ideal thing to do is remain stationary, movement is actually the ideal medicine for many people. Gentle, adapted exercises to suit your abilities can help alleviate common ailments like chronic lower back pain, stiff joints, and muscle aches.
Published by: Martin De Juan
