The benefits of exercise range from weight loss, increased energy, development of strong muscles, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and much more.
However, that’s not all that exercises do for the body. It has also been noted to be very important for our mental health. It improves our psychological state and cognitive and emotional abilities and provides stamina and balance for a successful lifestyle.
If you need more reasons to get motivated to exercise, here are eight benefits of exercise for your mental health!
#1. Exercise gives your brain a boost!
Studies on Neurogenesis, the development of new brain cells in the brain, reveal that exercise that affects the cardiovascular region has a tremendous impact on the development of new brain cells, which can boost brain performance, enhance intelligence, and strengthen memory.
That’s not all! Staying fit and healthy via regular exercise increases the levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), a brain-derived protein implicated in higher thinking, learning, and grasping of complex concepts, as well as better decision-making.
#2. Exercise relieves stress
High stress levels can be greatly minimized to the barest minimum via a regimen of exercises. This is because exercises increase the heartbeat rate, which causes the secretion of neurohormones like endorphins and epinephrine, which relaxes the brain and prevents brain damage caused by a series of stressful events.
Exercise brings about healthy and synergistic interaction between the body’s central and sympathetic nervous systems to relieve itself of stress effectively.
#3. Exercise enhances sleep
One of the ways to tackle insomnia is through regular exercise. In some quarters, it is regarded as a sleeping pill. But how does it work?
Exercise raises the body’s temperature, calming the mind and brain, thereby sending signals to the body that it is time to rest and sleep. Many sleep experts have established the relationship between sleep and exercise but have discouraged having workout sessions very close to bedtime.
#4. Exercise helps fight depression and anxiety
One of the main reasons I exercise is because of the benefits it has on my mental health. I also found it was a dominant reason why many women I used to coach at a gym exercised.
Although looking great is a big win, it’s not about losing weight and gaining physical benefits but feeling good from the inside. When it comes to mental health, it’s a natural remedy for anxiety and depression. It stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as ‘happy chemicals, ’ that enhance the mood and relieve stress and anxiety.
This approach against depression and anxiety has been effective such that psychological experts recommend moderate exercise in the mornings or evenings for depressed individuals.
These persons are further advised to take note of their body movements, breath rhythms, and heart rate. This will divert their attention from their numerous fears and help improve their mental well-being.
Research also shows that the best exercise to relieve mental health issues is to choose an exercise that keeps your body moving and engages the brain simultaneously. Perfect activities include rock climbing, tennis, or learning some new dance skills!
#5. Exercise helps enhance self-confidence and self-esteem
The more an individual engages in exercise, the more physical benefits occur. The benefits include weight loss, increased muscle density and improved endurance.
This increases a person’s mental energy, boosts self-confidence, and enhances self-esteem, which is usually transferred to other areas of a person’s life.
People who exercise a lot tend to have a positive image of themselves and a lot of mental energy that makes them unafraid to face life’s challenges.
#6. Exercise helps break the cycle of addiction
Addiction, regardless of the kind, has a negative impact on one’s mental health as it causes the brain to release excessive amounts of dopamine, disrupting the body’s processes.
However, short periods of exercise can help distract the addicts from their endless cravings, at least for a short time. Exercise can also help regularize the body processes that have been disrupted by virtue of the addiction and help minimize the impact it could have on the mental well-being of an individual.
#7. Exercise enhances creativity!
Working on a project for a long period of time can cause exhaustion and lead to a scarcity of creative ideas. I know this one all too well, so in times like these, the remedy could be a short exercise session, whether that’s yoga, weight training, cardio, or even walking the dog!
This allows the body and brain to relax and refresh, giving you enough mental strength to engage again in creative thinking.
#8. Exercise makes you look and feel good
Ladies, listen up! Working up a sweat with various exercises will give your skin a glow! Exercise helps regulate the blood flow to the skin’s surface, providing nutrients that repair damage from the sun and help promote the skin’s collagen production.
You’ll also gain more muscle and burn calories that will leave your body not only feeling good, but your physical appearance will thank you. Winning!
Love yourself every step of the way
The importance of exercise with regard to our mental health cannot be overemphasized. Although we all lead busy lives, finding the time to exercise is an act of self-love from which your mind and body will benefit.
However, you don’t have to force exercise into your daily schedule. You can start small, like taking a brisk walk and using the stairs instead of the elevators, until exercise is a part of your everyday lifestyle.
Every step counts, and every step is a win.
Happy exercising, everybody!
Emmy is the founder and content writer at woopdedo. With a background in the performing arts, she then had a career working on cruise ships, until she decided to return to NZ where she spends most of her time storytelling and freelance writing. You can contact her on the social media links below or visit the work with us page.
