Category: <span>Depression</span>

Depression December 21, 2021 By riverview 0 Comments

5 Depression Symptoms | Find Help to Be Happy

Depression Symptoms affect millions of people around the globe. While it’s normal for people to experience sadness from time to time, depression is a more serious and pervasive condition that can affect your daily living. Knowing the signs is crucial for obtaining treatment and regaining your sense of happiness.

Here are Five Depression Symptoms to look out for:

Sadness, Despair, or an Empty Feeling.

Depression frequently results in persistently depressing emotions. Additionally, you might feel empty or sad, as if your existence is meaningless. It’s normal to lose interest in hobbies or hanging out with pals, two activities that many people used to love.

Changes in Weight or Hunger.

Your appetite may alter due to severe sadness, either making you overeat or undereat. You might also notice a noticeable change in your weight.

Sleeping Problems.

Sleep issues like sleeplessness or oversleeping are also prevalent symptoms. It might be challenging for you to go to sleep, remain asleep, or wake up in the morning.

Low Vitality and Weariness.

Even if you get enough sleep, You still feel exhausted. You might experience a lack of energy and find it difficult to carry out routine chores.

Thoughts of Suicide or Death.

Suicidal or death thoughts are among the most severe signs of melancholy. It’s crucial to obtain assistance right away if you’re having these thoughts.

Help is Available!

If you’re displaying any of these depression symptoms, you must immediately seek professional help. You can regain your happiness by receiving the proper treatment for your depression.

Remember that this can be treated with therapy, medication, or a mix of the two. Your thoughts and emotions can be processed, and you can create coping mechanisms to help you deal with your depression. Antidepressant medications, for example, can be beneficial in treating the symptoms.

You can improve your mental health in a variety of ways in addition to seeking expert help. By getting frequent exercise, consuming a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep, you can improve your mood and overall mental health. You might also find that practicing mindfulness or meditation has positive effects on your ability to manage tension and improve your mental health.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has published guidelines on treating depression symptoms in both men and women. Different types of therapy may be more suitable for your situation. It is important to find a mental health professional who can diagnose and treat depression in the right way.

depression is a common mental illness that can interfere with everyday living but is also treatable. Getting medical assistance is critical if you’re showing signs of depression. You can beat depression and regain your sense of happiness with the appropriate attention and self-care.

Riverview Community Mental Health Center has a caring well-trained staff to help you identify the cause of depression symptoms and plan effective treatment options. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, please call today! We have offices in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie Florida.

Depression November 22, 2021 By riverview 0 Comments

Help For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Anxiety

Millions of people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

It is believed that during winter months, less daylight increases the natural level of the hormone melatonin and decreases serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a key hormone that stabilizes our mood and emotional balance. Low serotonin levels are often linked to depression and lack of energy.

SAD is often accompanied by a weakened immune system and may cause a higher than usual level of anxiety

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD symptoms may include those of a major depressive disorder characterized by the following

Feeling depressed
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleeping too much or not enough (hypersomnia or insomnia)
Feeling anxious or agitated
Feeling lethargic
Feeling of hopelessness
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression symptoms that are attributed specifically to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are changes in sleep patterns, lack of motivation, increased or decreased appetite, and social withdrawal.

People who suffer from SAD tend to experience more depressive symptoms during the winter months and can also suffer from fatigue and irritability during the spring and summer.

Symptoms will vary from person to person. If you or a loved one is experiencing seasonal affective disorder symptoms, you should seek professional treatment and follow recommendations from your doctor.

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Although there is no definitive cure for seasonal affective disorder, it can be managed effectively. Symptoms of SAD can be controlled with light therapy, medication, psychotherapy, exercise, and diet or dietary supplements.

For people suffering from SAD, light exposure is an important factor in treating the condition.

A psychologist may suggest light therapy which involves the daily use of artificial light.

Sunlight provides vitamin D which is often deficient during the winter months. With the decreased sunlight during the winter, vitamin D may be obtained from certain foods. The best food sources of vitamin D are fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring, as well as egg yolks, mushrooms, and cod liver oil.

If the condition does not improve with light therapy and diet changes, cognitive behavioral therapy can also be effective. In addition to adding the recommended foods to your diet, you should also drink plenty of water, preferably with fresh lemon juice every day.

If the symptoms persist for several weeks, a psychological evaluation is recommended to ensure that the cause of the problem is not another illness. This will allow the psychologist to decide on the right course of treatment for the patient.

Your doctor will recommend a physical exam that will reveal any underlying physical problems.

Light therapy is considered the most effective treatment for the condition. By exposing the brain to light, the brain’s response to seasonal stress is improved, which may lead to improved mood and physical health.

A bright lightbox simulates the sun’s rays and can be effective in managing the symptoms of SAD. It is also crucial to avoid stress as much as possible. Meditation and outdoor walks can also be helpful to alleviate the condition and improve your overall mood.

While many people are unaware of their SAD condition, it is important to understand what causes it. The symptoms of SAD can be unpredictable, but they can be treated.

A good approach to getting the condition under control is to combine cognitive-behavioral therapy with light therapy and diet changes. It is also advisable to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can make SAD worse.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect every aspect of your life and can result in worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take the first step to understand this disorder and get the help you need to ease the symptoms.

The caring staff at Riverview CMHC are well-trained to treat seasonal affective disorder and we are here to help.

Depression Exercise March 1, 2021 By riverview 0 Comments

Mental Health & Physical Health: Most Likely Tied Together?

Mental and physical health are often thought to be separate, unrelated areas when in reality they affect each other more drastically than most people realize. Poor mental health can lead to problems with physical health, and vice versa, physical ailments can lead to issues with mental health. The sooner that we start to realize that these two are closely related, we will be a healthier society as a whole.

How Are Mental & Physical Health Related?

Mental health issues can have a devastating effect on your physical health. According to mentalhealth.org those that suffer from mental health issues are also less likely to receive the preventative medical care they need to identify physical illnesses before they become serious. Physical concerns in patients with mental health problems include heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, and more.

Physical issues can also affect mental health without patients even realizing it. Cancer patients, for example, are typically referred to both an oncologist to treat their cancer but also a psychiatrist or counselor to help them work through the mental side effects that this type of diagnosis can cause. However, the majority of physical disease diagnoses do not come with any sort of mental health consideration.

Psoriasis is one such physical health issue that doesn’t come with any mental health consideration. Patients that suffer from psoriasis have red, flaky skin rashes on the surface of the skin which have been shown to cause anxiety, depression, relationship issues and even suicide due to embarrassment and humiliation.

Lifestyle Factors

There are several lifestyle factors that can impact both mental and physical health. Lifestyle can have a much larger impact than most realize, and making minor changes in your daily habits can yield amazing results.

Diet & Exercise

A balanced diet is something that so many people neglect when it comes to considering mental and physical health concerns. Eating a healthy diet, consisting of the right amount of protein, healthy fats, fiber, etc can really improve both your physical and mental health. The same can be said for an unhealthy diet as it can obviously negatively affect your physical health but it can also leave a lasting impression on your mental state.

The same can be said for exercise, as physical activity has been proven to elevate your mental state through the release of endorphins while obviously also having a positive effect on your physical state. Diet and exercise both play crucial roles when it comes to overall health.

Drugs & Alcohol

Nicotine has been proven to help increase the levels of dopamine released in your system, which is the key chemical to happiness. Therefore, those that suffer from depression or other mentally related issues turn to nicotine or other substances to make them feel better.

This type of behavior only increases the negative feelings of self-loathing, depression, addiction, etc as you become convinced that without this substance you cannot function.

Overall mental and physical health are undoubtedly tied together. As a society we have to begin to take both into account in all circumstances if we want to be able to live happy and healthy lives.

Below is an excerpt from an article in everydayhealth.com. You can find the full article by clicking the link provided.

How Should You Care for Your Emotional and Physical Well-Being?

It’s hard to do, but slowing down and simplifying routines can go a long way to strengthening your mental and physical health.

Eat right. A healthy, regular diet is good for the body and mind.
Go to bed on time. Losing sleep is hard on your heart, may increase weight, and definitely cranks up the crankiness meter.
If you fall down, get back up. Resilience in the face of adversity is a gift that will keep on giving both mentally and physically.
Go out and play. Strike a balance between work and play. Yes, work is a good thing: It pays the bills. However, taking time out for relaxation and socializing is good for your emotional health and your physical health.
Exercise. A study published in October 2017 in Reviews in the Neurosciences shows that exercise improves your mood and has comprehensive benefits for your physical health.
See the right doctor, regularly. Going to the right doctor can make all the difference in your overall health, especially if you have a complicated condition that requires a specialist. But if your emotions are suffering, be open to seeing a mental health professional, too.

Total health depends on a healthy mind and body. Take time to nurture both.

Depression Telehealth Therapy December 31, 2020 By riverview 0 Comments

Has COVID-19 Impacted Your Mental Health? Feel Better Today!

Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Just as it is important to take your temperature regularly, as a COVID-19 precaution, it is equally important to do a mental health check. COVID-19 is weighing heavy when it comes to our mental health and overall well-being.

Those that have never experienced a mental health condition are finding themselves wondering what is wrong with themselves, and what they can do to get back to their “happy place.” It may be difficult to pinpoint a fracture in mental well-being for those that have never suffered from a mental health condition before.

Symptoms that could indicate a mental health condition

Feeling sad for more than half of your waking hours
Excessive worry or fear
Frequent uncontrollable mood changes
Fatigue and low energy levels
Impaired concentration
Thoughts that the world or others are better off without you
Inability to cope with daily stressors
Drug or alcohol dependence
Changes in diet

Of course, the above list is not all-inclusive; However, if you find yourself suffering from one or more of the bulleted symptoms above, you should seek the assistance of a medical professional at your earliest convenience.

For those that have suffered from mental illness in the past, COVID-19 is increasing the chance of relapse. If you feel triggered to go back to old habits, it is important to consult with a mental health professional. It may be a bit easier for those that have suffered or currently suffer from mental illness to pinpoint that they need to seek help than for those that have not experienced it before.

Keeping up with your regular self-care regime is important. Taking care of yourself is the first step to maintaining your mental health. This will better prepare you to cope with the challenges that you are faced with. Do your hair. Buy the new face mask. Continue yoga. Do what makes you feel good.

If you are feeling a bit off, talk to a friend or loved one. It may be difficult to talk about your feelings, but it can help! If you still feel like you could use more help, speak to your primary care doctor for a referral to a mental health professional, or contact a mental health professional directly. They will give you professional advice, and guidance that is specifically tailored to your needs. In-person and virtual meetings are available at Riverview CMHC, depending on your comfort level during the ongoing pandemic.

Depression Telehealth Therapy December 1, 2020 By riverview 0 Comments

How to get help with mental health during COVID-19?

Coping With Mental Health During Covid-19

In the past year, lives have been taken, jobs have been lost, and many businesses have shut their doors for the last time. Vacations and celebrations have been put on hold, and people are becoming depressed and overwhelmed. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a mental health crisis, and those that have never experienced a mental health issue previously, may not know where to turn. If you find yourself wondering how to get help with mental health during Covid-19, keep reading.

Telehealth to address concerns about mental health during covid-19 is an option that has expanded greatly during the pandemic, and those that need support for their mental health have the ability to consult with a professional remotely. This is the safest way to have a session with the doctor, as no one has to leave the comfort of their own space or come in contact with others. For those that have seen a mental health professional on a regular basis before the pandemic to keep their mental health at an optimum level, telehealth may seem like a difficult transition. While there is less of an in-person connection with virtual meetings, it is still a starting point, or a way to continue monitoring mental health for relapse.

If you think that you may be suffering from a mental health issue, ask yourself the following:

Am I having severe negative thoughts?
Am I relying on substances, such as drugs or alcohol, to cope with day to day stressors?
Have my eating habits changed?
Are people constantly asking if I am okay?
Do I constantly feel like I am just in a mode of survival?
Has my sleeping pattern changed?
Am I restless most of the time?
Am I more tired than before?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you may be suffering from deteriorating mental health. You can get assistance with this by scheduling an in-person or telehealth appointment with your primary care physician, trying to talk it out with a trusted individual in your circle, or by contacting a mental health professional directly.

If you feel overwhelmed more often than not, it is in your best interest to be seen (in-person or virtually) by a mental health professional. Their main job is to help in determining the cause of your mental health deteriorating and to come up with a plan in order to combat the issue.

Most importantly, if you have thoughts that your life isn’t worth living or you seem to be feeling hopeless, this is a mental health emergency. Go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

Anxiety Depression Stress Therapy November 5, 2020 By riverview 0 Comments

Inspiring Mental Health During Covid-19

Taking Care Of Mental Health During Covid-19

During the Covid-19 health crisis, it is important to concentrate on your physical health by taking the proper precautions both in and outside your home. Taking care of our mental health during Covid-19 is also just as important.

With the pandemic comes a whole new lifestyle. You aren’t going out as often, seeing as many friends and loved ones that you usually do, and some are even working inside of the home. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or negative feelings in general, do not refrain from seeking the help of mental health professionals.

Anxiety

Anxiety is common to experience in the wake of a pandemic. Coping with fear and uncertainty can be difficult, especially for those that have never experienced these feelings to this extent previously. The best way to tackle any fear is to become educated on the topic. The more you know about the dangers, and your risk, the easier it is to put your fears into perspective. The news is a trigger for anxiety– turn it off! Having some time “media-free” can help to reduce anxiety levels. If the anxiety you are feeling begins to feel more like panic, seeking help from a medical professional is the best way to begin your road to recovery.

Stress

Covid-19 has also brought on feelings of stress to many people in both the USA and the world as a whole. Routines are turned upside down and daily life doesn’t seem real. Parents are even becoming teachers! With all of these changes, life can begin to feel overwhelming, and these issues can take a toll. With people isolated or seeing too much of each other within the same walls, families can begin to experience extreme frustration. These stresses are temporary, and you will get through them. Talking with a professional may help to relieve some of the stress, as they can provide specific techniques to help you feel a better sense of wellbeing.

Depression

Depression is becoming more widespread than ever before. Many people have lost their jobs, are socially distancing to prevent themselves and their immediate family from getting the virus, and have to adjust to completely new schedules. If you find yourself in a bad mood for no particular reason on a daily basis, have difficulty feeling pleasure in things that used to interest you, are experiencing a lack of appetite, or have feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or feel that life is not worth living, seek medical assistance immediately.

An evaluation with a mental help professional is the first step to leading a better life. There are many effective treatments available to help you take care of your mental health during Covid-19. Our comprehensive services will evaluate and identify and the effects that it has had on both you and your family. It is important to make sure that you can be the best version of yourself to get through this pandemic and tackle it head-on.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or just need to talk with a caring mental health professional to help you cope with your mental health during Covid-19, Riverview Community Mental Health Services is here for you. We have a highly qualified staff of trained professionals available at our offices in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie, FL.

Riverview Community Mental Health Center

Stuart
865 SE Monterey Commons Blvd
Stuart, Florida 34996
772-266-4713

Port Saint Lucie
451 SW Bethany Drive, Suite 103
Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34986
772-301-1354

Anxiety Depression May 5, 2020 By riverview 0 Comments

Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, and with the current worldwide changes due to COVID-19, depression and anxiety are becoming more common than ever. This can be hard to navigate, especially if these feelings are new for many due to ever-changing work
environments, stress from job loss, homeschooling, and losing access to resources like counseling, addiction counseling services, etc. If depression or anxiety is new to you, or even if you’ve experienced them your whole life, let’s take a deep dive into what both depression and anxiety really are and how to know if you might be suffering from one or both of these illnesses.

What is Depression?

Depression, which is also known as major depressive disorder, brings a negative effect on how you think and feel on a regular basis. This can make it extremely hard to cope in your day-to-day life as it causes you to feel sad and lose interest in activities where you would normally find joy. Depression symptoms range from constant feelings of sadness to changes in eating habits, sleeping habits, feeling worthless or undervalued, having a hard time thinking or decision making, and more. Luckily, this disease is treatable through a combination of counseling and sometimes medication.

Diagnosing & Treating Depression

It can be difficult to diagnose and treat depression because feelings of sadness can stem from various situations that happen throughout any person’s normal life. Things, like losing a job, losing a loved one, or ending a relationship, can cause a person to fall into a state of depression. However, major depressive disorder is characterized by at least two weeks of being unable to shake your emotions of sadness as well as a change in habits and loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed. Treating depression can be difficult as each person requires a different type of treatment in order to be effective. Medication is one type of treatment for depression, which is only considered after a thorough diagnostic evaluation by a medical professional. There are times when brain chemistry is more susceptible to depression, which can only be treated by medicine. Additionally, therapy is a very real form of treatment that can assist that fighting depression through techniques that do not involve medicine. These include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, as well as self-help, and coping mechanisms such as instilling healthy habits like regular exercise, enough sleep, a well-balanced diet, and beyond.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety, in its most definitive form, is a person’s bodily response to stress. Feelings of anxiety can be brought on by several factors such as starting a new job, moving to a new place, major changes in the environment, etc. The difference between normal stress and anxiety is that anxiety becomes something that is extreme and can lead to an actual anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder moves beyond stress or fear and becomes something that takes over your daily life and causes you to feel fearful or nervous all the time to the point where it can be debilitating at times. This type of anxiety is very unhealthy as it can lead to a variety of health issues and bad habits such as substance abuse, overeating, a tendency toward violence, etc.

Diagnosing & Treating Anxiety

Anxiety disorders cover a wide variety of things including panic, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, post-traumatic stress, and more. Diagnosing the type of anxiety disorder you may be suffering from typically stems from certain events that may have occurred throughout your life. These types of events can include abuse during childhood or adulthood, intense violence such as war or criminal situations, and even examples of humiliation or shame. Treating anxiety can be difficult as it is hard to diagnose and also hard to admit as the feelings of anxiety are very common and cause one to feel as if they aren’t something that they necessarily need “help” treating.

Symptoms of anxiety can include jitteriness, irritability, sleeplessness, fear, shame, and more. We as a society also tend to “shame” those who admit feelings of fear or anxiety due to these feelings being associated with weakness. If you are feeling overly anxious or fearful of anything in general, seeking medical help is always in your best interest. Depression and anxiety can sometimes go hand in hand and can become immensely dangerous to your health when gone untreated. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms
listed, please seek the opinion of a medical professional. The worst-case scenario is that you are diagnosed as healthy and given ways to improve your mental health on your own, however ignoring a genuine diagnosis can lead to very significant health issues. Leaving any of these symptoms untreated in any way does not only harm you but also those around you, please seek help if you feel you may be experiencing depression or anxiety.

Man in distress sits near a beach with his hands over his head

Anxiety Depression March 8, 2020 By riverview 0 Comments

Mental Health in Men | Getting Help

Mental Health in Men

Mental health is a vital part of your overall health, so it is important to know how to take care of it.

While issues with mental health in men are very similar to issues in females, there are still major differences in the way that these issues affect men vs. women.

The type of mental health issues men face and the way that they handle them are two of the biggest differences between the two genders.

Mental Illness

According to Psychology Today “men make up 75% of overall suicides in the United States, with one man killing himself every 20 minutes”.

This is a shocking statistic that shows how many men across the U.S. are suffering from a mental illness of some kind. Often mental health in men goes undiagnosed and untreated.

Mental illnesses affecting men more so than women include obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug and alcohol abuse. While women definitely experience these same illnesses, it seems to be more prevalent in men.

Substance Abuse

Overall substance abuse seems to be a predominantly male problem, with “a rate of 3 to 1 in comparison to females” according to Psychology Today. Many studies have shown that men engage in substance abuse due to stress in their life, mostly attributing to loss of income, loss of employment, and divorce.

Many men feel an overwhelming responsibility to provide for their families and to be the primary “breadwinner” and sometimes men that have a particularly hard time with this, or who feel like they might not be living up to this, turn to substance abuse as a way to cope.

Stigma In Getting Help

One of the largest parts of men being the vast majority of mental illness cases is due to the stigma that surrounds getting help.

Much evidence has shown that there is a staggering number of men that do not seek help at all, even if they recognize a problem.

This is even more prevalent amongst minority groups, including African American, Hispanic and Asian men. Most likely, this issue stems back to societal expectations that men should be able to “suck it up” or “be a man” and handle situations like this on their own.

This is absolutely not true, as many individuals should seek help with a mental health issue that they do not have the tools or knowledge to handle on their own.

Solving The Problem

The largest part of helping men with mental health issues is to begin recognizing it as a health issue, and removing the stigma of men asking for help.

When this happens, changes will start to be made and hopefully, lives will stop being lost due to suicide from a mental health problem or a substance abuse problem.

Anxiety Depression Exercise Stress December 4, 2019 By riverview 0 Comments

Exercise Boosts Health and Promotes Improved Mental Functioning

Exercise can provide so many benefits including weight loss, improved physical health, and can even help to reverse or heal many ailments. However, there are additional benefits beyond these that come with physical activity as well. There have been several studies showing the vast mental health benefits of exercise in several ways.

How Can Exercise Improve Mental Health?

People choose to exercise for a variety of reasons. Many people want to trim their
waistline and improve their overall physique and muscle tone, but the other benefits
can be an unexpected surprise bonus. These benefits can involve relieving stress,
improved memory, better sleep, and an improvement in overall mood and positivity. All
of these can have drastic favorable effects on your mental health as a whole such as
relieving symptoms of depression, ADHD, PTSD, stress, and anxiety.

Depression & PTSD Benefits

Some of the most common mental health issues that can be improved and mitigated
through physical activity are depression and PTSD. Several studies show that exercising even
as little as 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of developing major depression.
Additionally, it is scientifically proven that exercise releases endorphins, a chemical that
makes us feel good, in our body that help to improve our mood and outlook on life.
PTSD relates to the nervous system producing a response to experiencing severe
trauma. This response can include anger, tension, stress, and more. It is believed that
exercises using repetitive motions or cross movements such as running, rowing a boat,
etc can help the brain to recover from that nervous system response.

Stress & Anxiety Benefits

Stress and anxiety are incredibly frequent in millions of people throughout the world.
These can come about from specific events or activities such as a stressful job, a toxic
relationship, abuse, and beyond. Endorphins from exercise can certainly help to relieve
stress and anxiety, but there are also studies that have been done to show that the
rhythm of exercising can bring mental health benefits as well. Focusing on your feet
hitting the ground, or your breathing while exercising can allow your brain to really
focus and be mindful which can then dull the overwhelming worry or anxiety in your
brain.

As a whole, it is common knowledge that exercise is good for you and your body. The
additional benefits of relieving stress and anxiety and possibly appeasing depression
and/or PTSD. We highly recommend finding whatever type of exercise routine works
best for you, and sticking to it as best as possible to see great results physically and
mentally.

Anxiety Confidence Depression Self-improvement Sleep Stress October 17, 2019 By riverview 0 Comments

The Benefits of Exercise for Well-Being

Benefits of Exercise

Everyone knows that there are many beneficial physical effects on the body when it comes to exercise. Those that add exercise to their daily routines typically have lower BMI, lower blood pressure, more energy, and a decreased risk of getting diabetes. Not many people think of the psychological effects that exercise has on the body, though! Regular exercise can help to mitigate symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, along with keeping your memory up to par!

There are five main benefits of exercise when it comes to the psychological impact of exercise on the body. So, next time, choose the stairs over the elevator or your comfortable walking shoes over the short car ride!

Here are a few examples of the benefits of exercise

Increase your self-esteem. When one begins to see more muscle, less fat, and weight loss, self-confidence goes up to an all-time high! Weight loss and shopping for new clothes may not have been your prime goal, and you may even see a change happening before you even realize the cause.
Give your brain a boost. Regular cardio exercise helps to create new brain cells and improves the overall performance of the brain. In addition to this, it even helps to strengthen the hippocampus, resulting in better memory and less cognitive decline. Creativity and mental energy go through the roof!
Stress Relief. Regular exercise helps to decrease stress levels, making us have a better overall sense of wellbeing. Increasing the heart rate actually helps to reverse stress-induced damage to the brain by hormone stimulation. Mood, cognition, and thinking processes improve.
Sleep better. Regular exercise increases the body’s temperature, which induces a calming effect on the mind. This results in falling asleep quicker, and for longer periods of time. Our “built-in alarm clock” is also regulated, helping us to control when we feel tired versus awake and alert. It is best to exercise throughout the day, and not close to bedtime.
Decrease the effects of depression and anxiety. Exercise definitely improves the mood, which helps to decrease the symptoms that both depression and anxiety have on our mental state. Endorphin levels rise, and feelings of happiness and euphoria are released. Regular exercise may be the key to feeling a bit better!

Exercise has drastic effects on your mental health and overall well being, as well as all of the physical effects that can be seen. While seeing results is important for those with a knack for aesthetics, it is just as important to FEEL the results. Over time, one will feel better overall, both physically and mentally, by incorporating regular exercise into their daily lives.