Mental Benefits of Exercise
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month we are sharing some tips and resources for anyone out there looking to improve their mental health.
It’s hardly news that exercise is good for your physical health, and has long been extolled for mental health as well. But many are now making progress in understanding how, exactly, exercise may work its mental magic.
“Even modest levels of physical activity, such as a daily walk, can pay big dividends for mental health.”
Exercise has profound effects on brain structure itself, and especially in regions most affected by depression. It also provides other, more subtle benefits such as focus, a sense of accomplishment and sometimes social stimulation, all of which are therapeutic in their own right. And while more is generally better, even modest levels of physical activity, such as a daily walk, can pay big dividends for mental health.
Regular exercise has many benefits for your mental health. Here are some of the ways that exercise can improve your mental well-being:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that promote positive feelings and reduce feelings of pain and stress.
2. Boosts mood: Exercise can boost your mood by increasing the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
3. Improves sleep: Regular exercise can help improve the quality of your sleep, which in turn can have a positive effect on your mental health. When you sleep better, you feel more rested and refreshed, which can help you feel more alert and productive during the day.
4. Builds resilience: Exercise can help build resilience to stress by improving your physical fitness and overall health. When you are physically fit, you are better able to cope with the physical and emotional demands of life.
5. Reduces symptoms of depression: Exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. It can help increase self-esteem, provide a sense of achievement, and distract from negative thoughts.
6. Increases cognitive function: Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, which can help improve memory and cognitive performance.
Overall, exercise is a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health.