How to Look after your Mental Health with Exercise
We are all aware of the physical benefits exercise can have, but did you know working up a sweat is great for your mental health too. Has lockdown left you feeling a bit isolated, anxious or drained? Read on to find out how incorporating a workout into your daily routine could help boost your mental health and wash away those feelings of anxiety or depression.
The benefits of exercise
Exercising is a fantastic way to lose weight, but this shouldn’t be the sole reason to workout. Other benefits of physical exercise include:
- Reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Strengthening your bones and muscles
- Improving sleep
What exercises to do for mental health
The variety of different exercises are endless. There truly is something out there for everybody – no matter your level of fitness. Beginners may like to start with exercises such as:
- Walking
- Spinning class
- Yoga
- Tennis
By trying out a variety of workouts or sports, you can find which exercises are right for you and your body. It is best to start slow and allow your body to adjust to the new workouts and before long, you’ll be seeing the improvements both physically and mentally. Learn about the connection between exercise and depression in this article from BetterHelp.
How exercise has an impact on your mental
Physical activity and exercise has many benefits. By partaking in exercise, it stimulates chemicals in your brain that improve your mood. When you are exercising, you release the chemicals endorphins and serotonin into your body that work to improve your mood. By exercising regularly, you can reduce your stress levels and improve mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Exercise opens many other opportunities that can have a positive impact on your mental health. It can cause you to get out into the world a bit more than you would perhaps have done previously, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
There are some other great ways that exercise can positively benefit your mental health:
- Exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, meaning that your memory levels will increase and allow you to stay more focused.
- Exercise pumps blood to the brain which helps you to think more clearly and process your thoughts in a more regulated manner
- Exercising can improve your sleeping patterns which, in turn, can improve your mood and reduce feelings of fatigue and exhaustion
Importance of rest and recovery for mental health
If you’re suddenly exercising more than usual, your muscles won’t be used to it. You need to incorporate appropriate rest and recovery to prevent causing yourself an injury. You can try stretching regularly, ensuring you get a good amount of sleep a night, and using muscle recovery tools, such as a foam roller or massage gun.
Physical exercise has an endless amount of positive benefits for your body, both physically and mentally. Find your motivation today and start feeling fitter and healthier by making exercise part of your daily routine.
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