Mental benefits of exercise
“The mind is absolutely instrumental in achieving results, even for athletes” - Michael Johnson
You will be well aware by now and through the recent months the importance and wealth of benefits that come from exercising. The physical benefits of exercise are well known, as are its mental benefits, but now more than every are they important to implement and reinforce, and you can start small from today.
That gratifying, relieving and fulfilling feeling you get after a workout isn’t a coincidence, it’s your bodies way of telling you you’ve done something good for you body and mind. While that feeling may seem like a short-term physical bonus, doing this regularly is exactly what your mind needs too.
The science behind exercise:
Exercise stimulates the positive endorphins that can lift up your overall mood, going as far as being able to reduce risks of depression with just an hour of exercise a week (ScienceDaily). Those that workout regularly are also found to have different brain matters that allow them to manage stress better (both mental and physical) as they are stimulating the feel-good serotonin neurotransmitters more often.
Other effects of exercise include: Better sleep, Improved Self Confidence. Increased Cognitive Function, Alleviate Anxiety + Increased Energy.
When you are struggling with your mental health, getting active may be one of the last things you feel like doing, but finding the energy and motivation to do so can be one of the best cures; the best advice is to start small: A simple walking programme, Yoga, Exercise video/ game + Following a YouTube tutorial
You don’t have to exercise all the time or throw yourself into intense training, something like cycling and jogging will give you a huge boost, but even walking the dog or doing household chores will give you the benefits.
#BetterNeverStops
Reference:
Science daily: University of New South Wales. (2017, October 3). One hour of exercise a week can prevent depression. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 23, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171003093953.htm