4 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
There are COUNTLESS reasons to workout when it comes to initiating changes to our physique and improving our general health: from weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes and decrease in cardiovascular disease. Making sure you’re making exercise apart of your weekly routine is proven to increase your quality of life from a long term health standpoint.
But what about the mental health benefits of exercise? Studies show that working out consistently can help in easing symptoms of depression and anxiety in many people.
It’s super helpful to keep these benefits in mind especially on a day to day basis when motivation is waning and you’re looking for a more immediate reason to get your sweat on.
Here are my top four reasons I workout for my mental health.
1. Decreases stress
Did you know that increasing your heart rate can actually reverse stress-induced brain damage by stimulating the production of neurohormones like norepinephrine, which improves cognition. Exercise also forces the body’s central and sympathetic nervous systems to communicate with one another, improving the body’s overall ability to respond to stress.
2. Boosts energy
Regular exercise helps to increase energy by boosting natural endorphins throughout the body. By getting consistent exercise, oxygen and nutrients are delivered directly to your tissues which helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores throughout the day.
3. Improves focus
Working out helps to improve memory and brain power which is neurogenesis. This improves overall brain performance. It also prevents cognitive decline and memory loss by strengthening the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Studies also prove that physical activity boosts creativity and mental energy.
So if you’re in need of inspiration, your big idea could be just a walk or jog away!
4. Increases self-esteem and confidence
From improving endurance to losing weight and increasing muscle tone, there’s no shortage of physical achievements that come about from regular exercise as we know. All those achievements can all add up to a whopping boost of self-esteem—and the confidence that comes with it. You may not set out for better-fitting clothes, a slimmer physique, and the ability to climb a hill without getting winded. Oftentimes it happens before you even realize it. It’s just one of the many benefits of physical activity that boost your body, mind, and spirit.
As if you needed more reasons to continue to workout, I hope these bring you some inspiration!