Exercise and Mental Health
Any physical activity helps in producing endorphins. These are protein molecules that act as sedatives and relieve the pain, that is created due to tension or stress. The endorphins that are produced during exercise have many positive effects on our brain which eventually reflects on our body. They reduce pain, cravings, stress, agitation as well as regulate production of hormones, improve eating habits and strengthen the immune system. Such endorphins can even delay the process of aging. Due to a sedentary but hectic life, the brain generates cortisol hormones that leads to stress. Endorphins that are generated out of exercising, replace the stress hormones and bring peace and emotional stability. These hormones are strong enough to free the person from mild depression and stress and make the person feel good. Being physically active not only produces endorphins but also adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine that help in creating and maintaining a happy mood. Exercising stimulates the production of these hormones and has more benefits that help in contributing to an individual’s overall well-being.
Recommended Exercises
There are different ways of improving mental health. Exercising is considered to be one of the most effective and efficient methods, that works well on both the physical and emotional aspects of life.
Physical Fitness
Regular exercise boosts energy levels and strengthens health and physical tolerance. It stimulates feel good hormones and eventually makes the person feel happy. It also helps control eating habits, that add to the body’s physical status.
Boosts Self-esteem
Life without exercise can drastically bring down one’s self-esteem in stressful situations. Exercise makes one feel good about their body and hence help in improving confidence levels. As exercising helps in toning the body, it will also increase the flow of energy throughout your body all day and keep you active. This constant flow of energy leads to positive thinking and even enhances your performance at work.
Break from Work
People are often engrossed in their work throughout the day. Some take work home while some just stay mentally occupied with their work. This ultimately begins to take a toll on the mind of an individual. It is important to detach oneself from daily errands and work life. Exercising is one such activity that will distract the mind from work. Such a distraction is good as it helps free your mind from stress and tension and completely refreshes it, such that you are ready for a new day at work.
Better Communication
Exercising reduces boredom and helps in increasing social interaction. With the release of endorphins and the feel good mood, one is capable of communicating better and interested in meeting different people, adding to one’s social life.
Improves Sleep
Exercising at the right time helps in improving the quality and quantity of sleep. A good sound sleep keeps the mind calm and even keeps you fresh for the next day. It even improves the sleep-wake cycle and the digestive system. Physical activity tends to prevent and even cures certain sleep disorders.
Improved Appetite
Sufficient exercising also brings one’s appetite under control and gradually improves the immune and the digestive system. Controlled food consumption helps in keeping an individual’s weight under control and brings a gradual increase in energy levels.
This is the way how exercise improve mental health by boosting confidence, concentration and even sleep. Therefore, being active is essential in order to live a healthy and happy life.
