Mental health is a hot topic. So I thought, why not talk a little bit more about it.
People tend to feel more energetic, sleep better and feel more relaxed about themselves. It can also be helpful in regards to common mental health challenges and boosts overall mood.
Exercise and depression:
For some people, exercise has shown to be as effective as antidepressant medication. Exercise promotes changes in the brain such as neural growth, reduced inflammation and new patterns to help with feelings of calm and well-being. Also, practically, it can help take us out of the cycle of negative thoughts.
Exercise and anxiety:
Exercise can relieve tension and stress, help with physical and mental energy and increase endorphins. Coming from Therapeutic background, I can also tell you, first hand that adding a touch of mindfulness to your workouts can change everything. Try focusing on your breath or your body and how it feels when you exercise.
Exercise and stress:
Although most exercise can help your body relax, relieve tension, headaches etc. personally, yoga and stretching hit the spot in that department for me. When we are stressed, we tend to tense up, feel tightness in our chest, have muscle cramps and lots more. Our bodies and minds are closely linked and helping one can help the other.
Exercise and ADHD:
Physical activity boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin levels which can help with focus and attention. Thus, regular exercise can be both easy and effective for reducing symptoms of ADHD.
Exercise and PTSD and trauma:
Exercises and movement that involve arms and legs are known to be some good choices. As mentioned earlier, when we focus on how our body and mind react and respond to movement, we are able to move past our regular stress responses.
Here are five mental and emotional benefits of exercise:
- More energy
- Better sleep
- High self-esteem
- Stronger resilience
- Sharper memory and thinking
No matter where you’re at in your fitness journey, something is better than nothing. Don’t put yourself down for not being ‘as fit as others’, or not having ‘as much time’. Start with what you can and increase when you can, and you will start to feel the benefits.
Until next time,
Keep living your best life,
Kait
