Everyone knows that life can bring about many stressors as a result of our busy routines, kids, work, and many others. When we are stressed out about all that life is throwing at us, the last thing that many of us may think about is exercise. Yet experts have proved that regular exercise can help benefit not only your physical fitness level but your mental health as well. Exercise has been shown to help improve stress, anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of ADHD and PTSD. If you are someone that does not consider getting to the gym a priority, perhaps you should reconsider that after learning all the amazing benefits that regular exercise has to offer for our mental health.
Exercise releases endorphins in our brain, which is the brain chemical that makes up happy. This is a result of many things. One being that exercising regularly can enhance our self-image and confidence. If you are someone who bears extra weight, trimming down your waistline will not only help you to feel better physically but when you take a look in the mirror and notice your improvement, this will enhance the way you perceive yourself.
The colder months of the year can cause people to stay inside and remain sedentary. This can lead to depression for many people. Getting out of the house and getting to the gym can break this stagnation in our lives and occupy our minds from looming in negative thoughts. Exercise helps promote a sense of well-being and mindfulness. When we are exercising it is important to focus on our breathing and how our body feels during the exercise. Concentrating on the present moment will distract us from negative thoughts clouding our mind.
When we are stressed the muscles in our body tense up and we experience physical problems such as headaches, insomnia, muscle cramps, and heartburn. The thought of all these issues can, in turn, lead to more stress. Exercise is an effective way to disrupt this cycle of stress-related physical issues. It can help to release tension in the body and relax the muscles. Performing in activities like yoga and regular stretching can help relax our bodies from tension and stress. With a loose and relaxed body will result in a relaxed mind.
Overall, performing a regular exercise routine can substantially improve your mental health. You do not need to overwork yourself at the gym for multiple hours a day to see results. Experts say that engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 3-4 days is enough to reap the benefits. If you are new to exercise, do not be afraid to start off slow and work your way up to a level that you are comfortable with. So, get up and go move your body around and you will begin to notice a clearer mind as you go through your daily routine.