Exercise Can Improve Mental Health?
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.