Mental health is one aspect of our lives that we need to take care of in the same way we take care of our physical well-being. However, this is an aspect of health we often grow up neglecting. Hence, taking care of our mental health later on in life can be a challenge. There are many ways of taking care of our mental health, however, this article will focus on how exercise can get you out of sticky situations mentally.
Exercise has many benefits, not only for your physical health but also your mental health. In your brain, exercise stimulates chemicals that improve your mood and the parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Working out releases’ chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. It can also get you out and about, helping to reduce any feelings of loneliness and isolation, and put you in touch with other people.
Here are some additional benefits:
1. Help for depression and anxiety
Exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Physical activity kicks up endorphin levels, the body’s famous “feel good” chemical produced by the brain and spinal cord that produces feelings of happiness and euphoria.
2. Decreased stress
Another mental benefit of exercise is reduced stress levels—something that can make us all happier. Increasing your heart rate can reverse stress-induced brain damage by stimulating the production of neurohormones like norepinephrine, which not only improve cognition and mood but improve thinking clouded by stressful events.
3. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
From improving endurance to losing weight and increasing muscle tone, there’s no shortage of physical achievements that come about from regular exercise. All those achievements can all add up to a whopping boost of self-esteem—and the confidence that comes with it.
4. Better sleep
If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, exercise can help with that, too. Physical activity increases body temperature, which can have calming effects on the mind, leading to less sheep counting and more shuteye. Exercise also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, our bodies’ built-in alarm clock that controls when we feel tired and when we feel alert.
5. Brain boost
From building intelligence to strengthening memory, exercise boosts brainpower in several ways. Studies on mice and humans indicate that cardiovascular exercise creates new brain cells—a process called neurogenesis—and improve overall brain performance.
So, I challenge you to start exercising. It does not need to be fancy, go for a jog alone or with family. If its too cold dance indoors to your favourite songs for at least thirty minutes- it is both fun and beneficial. Again, always remember to prioritise your mind, body and spirit.
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