The Truth About Mental Health And Exercise
Many people hit the gym or utilize their home gym equipment to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle mass, and achieve fitness goals. Did you know that exercise affects more than your physical health? Today we are going to talk about mental health and exercise.
Working out has a plethora of mental health benefits. Today, we are discussing the top 4 mental health benefits of exercise.
1. A Boost In Endorphins
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which interact with receptors in your brain, and in turn, reduce your perception of pain. In addition to relieving pain, endorphins help relieve stress. According to a 2011 study, endorphin release occurs after 30 minutes of exercise.
2. Improve Memory
Exercise has been found to slow the aging process and changes the way the brain protects memory and thinking skills. “In a study done at the University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart and your sweat glands pumping, appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning.” Improving your memory can greatly impact your mental performance.
3. Assist With Anxiety
If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety, integrating an exercise routine can help divert thoughts of anxiety. In addition, keeping your body moving decreases muscle tension, which contributes to feelings of anxiety. Finding an exercise routine you enjoy is key to helping combat anxiety. Working towards getting your heart rate up and working out in a group setting have been shown to help.
4. More Self Confidence
An improved sense of self-confidence is an additional benefit to exercise. Regular exercise can help build body confidence and a greater sense of self-image.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your day, slow the aging process, divert thoughts of anxiety, or increase your self-confidence, exercise can help!
If you’re looking for a workout routine to start, check out our playlist of light equipment and bodyweight exercises. We hope you learned more about the benefits of mental health and exercise.