We all know regular exercise will help in keeping us fit and healthy. However, only a few of us realize that it does wonders for our mental health as well. Apart from the physiological benefits, exercise offers multiple psychological benefits, some of which are discussed here. We discuss in this article how regular exercise can act as a panacea by boosting your mood, cutting down on stress, and improving your overall mental health.
Exercise: A Natural Mood Booster
This is one of the most important mental health benefits of regular exercise—it has the ability to lift one’s mood. The reason behind this feeling is the chemicals released by your body after exercising, known as endorphins. These are sometimes referred to as “feel-good” hormones because they act as natural painkillers that bring about mood elevation. Even a simple walk around the block will trigger the release of endorphins and leave one feeling happier and more relaxed.
Reduces Level of Stress
Life sometimes gets overwhelming, and it is always left to one’s mental health to deal with such stress. Regular exercise is an excellent way to deal with stress. Physical activity tends to bring down the body’s level of stress hormones—such as cortisol—and gets endorphins pumping. Whether it is the relaxing nature of yoga or a hard workout, exercise presents your body with the opportunity to practice handling stress, which can make you more resilient over time.
Better Quality of Sleep
Good sleep is essential for mental well-being, and exercise helps in improving the quality of your sleep. If you have been physically working out, you will tire your body, hence enabling it to attain a deeper and more refreshing sleep. Exercise will also help regulate the internal clock of the body, making you fall asleep at the correct time and wake up feeling refreshed for the day, so you can stay alert and sharp-minded.
Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence
Exercise can also boost self-esteem and confidence. While you exercise, you are setting up and attaining goals, be it running a mile or doing a specific weight. The attainment of those goals gives one a sense of accomplishment, building confidence in oneself. Moreover, improved physical health and fitness can give one feelings of well-being about appearance, which again might have positive effects on self-esteem.
Combating Anxiety and Depression
Exercise is one powerful weapon that can help one fight anxiety and depression. Such benefits derived from physical activity will decrease symptoms by promoting the release of endorphins and other brain chemicals, which act on making a person feel good. Exercise also diverts your attention away from negative thoughts about yourself and offers a healthy way to release frustration and stress.
Improving Brain Function
Another not-so-well-known mental health benefit associated with regular exercise is that it improves cognitive functioning. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing one’s memory, attention/concentration abilities, and problem-solving skills. Exercise has also been linked to the reduced risk of cognitive decline in older years, which will help to keep your mind sharp and active.
Creating Social Connections
Exercise is social—at least, it can be. This may mean joining a gym class, playing a team sport, or simply taking a walk with a friend or family member. As much as these social connections can be a valuable source of support and encouragement, exercise has some very useful health benefits, including building relationships to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common contributors to poor mental health.
To Wrap Up
Regular exercise is a good deal more than having at its core only physical fitness. Exercise acts as a powerful tool in enhancing one’s mental health and well-being. From improved mood and reduced stress to improved sleep and self-esteem, the mental health benefits that are associated with regular exercise certainly cannot be underrated. So the next time you are feeling down or stressed, consider lacing up those sneakers and getting out for a workout. Your mind and body will thank you.
