Most of us are aware of the physical benefits of exercise, from weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, or even increased energy.
What about the mental benefits of exercise? Here are some benefits of how fitness improves our mental health.
Helps With Depression & Anxiety
Exercising has been a scientifically proven mood booster, it decreases the symptoms of both depression and anxiety. When physical activity kicks up endorphin levels, the body’s famous “feel good” chemical produced by the brain and spinal cord that evokes feelings of happiness and euphoria. Even with moderate exercise throughout the week can improve depression and anxiety.
Decrease Stress
Exercising also helps reduce stress levels - in laymen's terms, less stress, much happier. Increasing of heart rate can reverse stress-induced brain damage by stimulating the production of neurohormones like norepinephrine, which not only improve cognition and mood but improve thinking clouded by stressful events.
Aids In Getting Better Sleep
Exercise can promote better sleep in various ways. It minimizes disruptions, by inducing deeper and more restful sleep phases. Being physically active requires you to expend energy, and helps you feel more tired and ready to rest at the end of the day.
Increased Self-Confidence
There’s no shortage of physical achievements that come about from regular exercising habits, from improving endurance to losing weight and muscle toning. You may not set out for a slimmer physique or fit better into your clothing, but all those physical achievements can all add up to a boost of self-confidence. Oftentimes it happens before you even realize it. It’s just one of the many benefits of physical activity that boost your body, mind, and spirit.
Feeling More Energetic
Upon increasing your heart rate several times a week will give you more get-up-and-go. By starting off with just a few minutes of exercise per day, and increase your workout as you feel more energized.
Mental Boost
Exercise also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline. The same endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp for tasks at hand.