5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercising
Mental health matters and exercise has been known to make a huge impact on mental health.
In the fast-paced world we live in, stress, anxiety, and depression have become very unwelcome companions that many people carry around. This is why it is so important to find ways to promote your mental well-being where you can. One of the most powerful tools that many people overlook, is regular exercise.
Mental health matters and exercise has been known to make a huge impact on mental health as a whole. So, let’s take a good look at five amazing mental health benefits that make adding some exercise into your routine an absolute game changer.
5. Stress Reduction Life can be demanding, overwhelming, and downright stressful! This is why so many people deal with heightened stress levels on a regular basis. Luckily, regular exercise is a natural, cheap, and beneficial stress reliever.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, commonly referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormones. These hormones actually work as natural painkillers and quickly elevate your mood. This leads to reduced stress and a nice sense of calm.
Whether you go on a brisk walk or sit down for a yoga session, exercising can be very effective for managing stress. Your mental health is worth investing in, because mental health matters!
4. Improved Mood and Mental Clarity Have you ever noticed that you feel on top of the world after a workout? Well, this is because exercise triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a huge role in promoting feelings of happiness and regulating mood which is one of the biggest mental health benefits of exercising.
Physical exercise also enhances blood flow to the brain which works to improve cognitive function and enhance mental clarity. This boost of mental clarity can really help you approach challenges with a clear mind making it way easier to navigate anything that comes up.
Better yet, this happens immediately after exercise making it a quick solution for those seeking immediate mental clarity.
3. Anxiety Management Anxiety can feel extremely debilitating. It can have an awful effect on both mental and physical well-being. Sometimes, it’s even too hard to get out of bed when you’re struggling with anxiety. Exercise serves as a very powerful antidote when it comes to anxiety and reducing the levels of stress hormones in your body.
When you are able to regularly engage in physical activity, you provide yourself with a very healthy outlet for pent-up energy and restless thoughts. Whether you enjoy a Zen yoga session or prefer a vigorous run outside, exercise can truly help manage even the most severe anxiety symptoms.
Not only that, but it promotes a way more balanced mental state.
2. Improved Sleep Clarity The average adult should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. However, a lot of things can affect the way we sleep and how long we actually sleep for. Quality sleep is absolutely vital for health, and exercise plays a huge role in promoting great sleep.
Engaging in regular physical activity helps regulate your sleep patterns by promoting relaxation. However, it is super important to exercise at the right time, as working out too hard close to bedtime can often boost your energy and keep you awake!
A morning workout can boost your feel-good hormones and kick your day off right. Establishing a consistent exercise routine can have a massive impact on your sleep quality. When you sleep well, you will be far more refreshed and mentally resilient.
1. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence Exercise doesn’t just have to be about physical transformation. It is also about feeling much more positive about your self-image. Exercising on a regular basis can lead to massive improvements in body image as well as a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.
Setting fitness goals and then being able to achieve them, even if they’re only small, can boost confidence completely and has so many mental health benefits. It even gives a lot of people a sense of control over their lives. This improved self-esteem can have a beautiful ripple effect and influence various aspects of your mental health and overall well-being
The Bottom Line Exercise benefits extend far beyond looking good, they can have such a huge impact on your mental health and well-being. Here at Get Going PT, we understand how hard it can be to get out and about when your mental health is pulling you down. Luckily, we offer in-home personal training so that you can improve your mental health from the comfort of your own home.
We can find you the perfect personal trainer match for your needs to help you meet your goals and feel better in your everyday life. If you’re ready to feel better, get in touch with us today!
