We all know that exercise is essential for your physical health but what about your mental wellbeing? With over 1 in 5 Americans experiencing mental health issues at some point in their lives, there is a clear need for better awareness and understanding of what constitutes good mental health.
For example, many people are unaware of just how beneficial physical exercise is for your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Let’s take a look at the essential benefits exercise can offer.
Ever notice how you’re in a better mood on the way out of the gym than on the way in? That’s because exercise is known to relieve stress. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, a workout can help to alleviate these feelings and put you in a better frame of mind.
By increasing the amount of norepinephrine, exercise modifies the way we respond to potential stressors. As well as making us more resilient to stressful situations, this can help to relieve existing stress too.
Many people experience symptoms of poor mental health due to social isolation and loneliness. Attending a fitness class, club or gym like Fitness 19 is a great way to add a social element to your exercise regime. While some people enjoy taking part in classes and group fitness activities, even working out alongside other people can be an effective way to feel more sociable.
Fitness clubs are known for their sense of community and camaraderie, which makes them an ideal venue to establish or expand your social circle. When you are part of an established community, the sense of belongings and increased opportunities to socialize help to stave off loneliness, isolation and even depression.
Known as ‘feel-good hormones’, endorphins have a major impact on your mood. The sense of satisfaction and happiness you experience after a workout is due to these endorphins being released into your system. Studies have shown that increased endorphins can substantially decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, so it’s a great way to boost your mental health.
What’s more, you needn’t commit to lengthy workouts or rigorous training regimes to feel the benefits. Just half an hour of moderate exercise several times a week can be enough to give your endorphins a boost.
When you lack self-confidence, it can have a negative impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. By taking care of yourself and exercising on a regular basis, you can cultivate more self-confidence and higher self-esteem. This, in itself, has a fantastic impact on your self-image and helps to minimize feelings of low worth and inadequacy.
Promoting Good Mental Health Through Exercise
As a natural way to improve your mental health, exercise is often recommended by medical professionals who treat people with mental health issues. Whether it’s used in isolation or in conjunction with other forms of therapy, exercise can be a fast and effective way to maintain a positive mindset and protect your mental health.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.