Now that it’s the beginning of a new year, perhaps you have made resolutions to start the year off by getting in shape, losing any weight you may have gained over the holidays, and making your mental health a priority. In the past, many people didn’t realize how interconnected mental and physical health are, but now we’re learning more and more how intertwined they really are. Here are some examples of the many ways that exercise positively impacts mental health.
First of all, exercise reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise increases the production of endorphins, which are brain chemicals known for their mood-lifting properties. It also acts as a natural anti-anxiety treatment by reducing levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Next is how exercise is shown to improve your mood. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious. It can also improve your appearance and self-esteem, boosting your confidence and overall mental well-being.
Another great bonus to exercising regularly is the enhanced sleep you’ll receive. Physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep, and deepen your sleep. However, avoid exercising right before bedtime, as it can energize some people, leading to difficulties in falling asleep.
Then in the morning, you’ll appreciate the increased energy and stamina. Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance, leading to increased energy levels.
Exercise can also have cognitive benefits, particularly as people age. It may help keep the brain sharp and can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and memory loss. It’s believed that physical activity stimulates the release of growth factors, chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells.
Exercise and physical activities can be great social activities as well, whether you’re in a group class, walking with a friend, playing a team sport, or just interacting with others at the gym. This social aspect can improve your mood and mental health.
What could be more important for your physical and mental health than the benefit of exercise as a positive coping tool? Instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors to manage stress, exercise can be a healthy way to cope with the inevitable difficulties life throws our way.
Overall, exercise is a powerful tool to help manage mental health issues and enhance overall emotional well-being. However, it's important to remember that while exercise is a fantastic addition to your overall mental health, it should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health treatment in cases of severe depression, anxiety, or other potentially serious mental health conditions.
We’ve seen some of the ways that exercise can positively affect your mental health. Now let’s discuss the advantages of incorporating a regular exercise routine into your life as a means to improve both your mental and physical health.
Exercise is a relatively accessible and affordable way to address mental health issues. It doesn't necessarily require you to purchase your own expensive gym equipment, especially when incorporating classes like the Lagree Fitness Method at Level One. We offer several different personalized classes and plans for you to choose from, as we believe there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to your individual physical health goals.
Another great advantage to utilizing a fitness routine is that for many individuals, regular exercise can reduce the need for medications in the management of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. However, any changes to medication should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, since exercise also improves physical health, incorporating a regular fitness routine can often help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve cardiovascular health, enhance sleep, and boost overall energy levels, all of which can help you avoid needing to treat these conditions with daily medications and/or pricey supplements.
Obviously, the majority of people seeking to achieve a healthy weight, build muscle, improve their overall physical health and appearance find that a fitness routine is beneficial. Seeing as exercise can not only help you achieve physical results, but can also improve how you feel about your body image and boost self-esteem, this makes it an easy way to allow you take care of both your physical and mental health.
Group exercises or sports can provide social support, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common in many mental health disorders. Incorporating exercise into one's daily routine can also provide structure and a sense of purpose, which is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with things like ADHD, not to mention depression and anxiety.
Another benefit to physical exercise when seeking to improve your mental health is the fact that there’s no stigma attached. Unlike some aspects of mental health treatment, exercise doesn’t have the often negative perception by society, making it a more approachable option for many people.
Lastly, and possibly one of the most important advantages to incorporating a regular fitness routine is the sense of empowerment and control you get from it. Engaging in exercise can give individuals a sense of control over their health and well-being, which is empowering and a great benefit to one’s self esteem and mental health.
To help you accomplish those New Year’s resolutions, call or stop by Level One and learn more about the Lagree Fitness Method. We can tailor a personalized workout specifically for you with your goals in mind.
