How does Physical Exercise Improve your Mental Health?

Sometimes it’s a task in itself to get off the sofa and put on our running shoes. Sure, we might not want to exercise, but the benefits are worth it. Even if our bodies are fine while we wait for another day, our mental health is much more fragile. If we are to keep both of us in good shape, we need to stay active. Let’s take a look at how exercise helps improve mental health.

How exercise can improve your Mental Health

How exactly does exercise benefit us? Most of us are already familiar with the physical benefits like controlling our body fat and maintaining healthy body composition, lowering blood pressure and the risk of diabetes/heart disease, greater mobility, and much more. But what are the psychological benefits? There are as many as physical – if not more.

1. Reduces Stress

This point fits in with our previous topic but is also important in and of itself. Who wouldn’t want to have less stress in life? Even if you feel like you are leading a carefree life, you will still enjoy more peace. Did you know that increasing your heart rate can help reverse brain damage caused by stress? While this sounds like big claims, it has proven that by producing neurohormones like norepinephrine, we can think more clearly, be more conscious, and make our moods much brighter.

2. Increase self-esteem and self-confidence

Have you ever noticed that even after going to the gym once you feel more confident? Our bodies love to be active, and our self-esteem and confidence soar through the roof even after just 20 minutes of training! Of course, it can be difficult – there is no doubt about it. However, you will soon feel the endorphins set in. After you get active again, you will wonder why you waited so long for this.

It creates a kind of nice snowball effect. The more you exercise, reaching your physical goals, the better you will feel. Noticing that your clothes fit improved and your body becomes more toned will be unique. However, other than the physical appearance, it is perhaps even more motivating to go through your daily routine more easily and without getting out of breath.

3. Clearer mind / less brain fog

Have you ever felt that no matter how much you sleep, your mind always feels a bit slow and foggy? If this is the case, you will maybe feel much better while pumping the blood.

If you want to become a better employee, student, or better at any task, exercise can help. It has shown to improve intelligence and memory. Numerous scientific studies suggest that aerobic exercise can produce new brain cells called “neurogenesis,” which can improve brain performance while preventing memory loss.

4. Quality sleep

Let’s talk a little more about sleep. If you can’t stand your sleep well, exercise can help you lose an eye. Many people in the world have insomnia, and with screens around us all the time, it can be challenging to turn off the mind and relax enough to fall asleep.

However, there is hope! Exercise can raise our body temperature, which helps relax the mind and body. Because of this, you will find that you can fall asleep faster and fall asleep better – without waking up regularly throughout the night. In addition, your daily rhythm regulates more evenly, making you fall asleep more soundly so that you can wake up refreshed. You no longer have to compact with your alarm clock in the morning!

5. Help fight Depression and Anxiety

First of all, if you are suffering from depression and anxiety, you are not alone. We understand that there may be times when you feel hopeless or unmotivated to do something – and it seems like nothing can make it better. However, exercise has proven to be an incredibly effective way to control both. Exercise releases endorphins, which have a massive impact on how happy we feel.

Even just 15 minutes of exercise a few times a week can help improve symptoms in the short and long term. There’s a reason it’s increasingly common for doctors to prescribe exercise programs for patients before looking at medications. While you might not want to do this at first, it’s best to make your way through the 15 minutes. It could very possibly get more accessible and easier, to the point that you are looking forward to your workout routine!