Exercise can have a significant impact on our mental health. It releases endorphins that can help to improve our mood and help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
When we work out, our bodies produce chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These are known to boost our feelings of happiness and well-being. Regular exercise helps us to decrease symptoms of stress, improve the quality of sleep, and improve our self-esteem.
Not only do exercise and healthy eating reduce the chances of serious illnesses like chronic heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, but they also play a crucial part in maintaining good mental health. Taking up running, going to the gym, or a form of sport will help you become more confident and provide a sense of accomplishment as you overcome each challenge and set new fitness goals.
The Feel-Good Factor
Doing some form of exercise will release endorphins, which will naturally elevate your mood. This will help lower any symptoms of mental health, e.g., depression or anxiety.
Cognitive Benefits
Exercise will help the brain to “flex”, improving problem-solving skills and making you feel more active. When we exercise, we stimulate our brain, leading to improvement in our memory, speed processing, and reducing cognitive decline, which leads to Dementia and Alzheimer’s. By doing regular exercise, we encourage our brain to process things more efficiently, keeping our brain more active for longer.
Hobbies and Habits
Going to the gym or doing a sport on a regular basis, like three times per week, will very quickly become a habit rather than a chore. This can be your hobby like Tennis, paddle ball, football, walking, gym, swimming, or yoga. Chances are, you will meet new like-minded people, build new friendships, become more confident, and gain a sense of community.
Sleep
Regular exercise will help to improve your sleep and get you into a great routine. Having a set bedtime and exercise plan is proven to improve your mood and energy levels, and will help towards your goals and recovery, so you are ready for the next busy day ahead. Studies have shown that sleep and exercise are crucial for helping to improve mental health and overall well-being.
So next time you are feeling down or overwhelmed, consider going for a run or hitting the gym – your mind will thank you for it.
Ash Ward, Personal Trainer, Health Coach and Nutritionist
