The Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health
Getting your daily dose of exercise isn’t just about looking and feeling better. Numerous studies have shown that exercise can improve mental health, too. Regular physical activity improves sleep, reduces stress, and enhances self-esteem and confidence, all of which are critical to good mental health and well-being. Plus, if you exercise with friends or family, you’re more likely to stick with the program and reap the benefits over time! Read on for more information about how exercise can benefit your mental health.
Anxiety
Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also improve mood and sleep quality. In addition, exercise can help with muscle tension and headaches, as well as increase self-esteem. There are many different ways to stay active: from doing a simple 10 minute walk to participating in a one hour Zumba class! The benefits of exercise on mental health can be felt in both the short term and long term.
Bipolar Disorder
Exercise is proven to decrease the risk factors for a variety of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. It also can aid in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Research suggests that exercise is comparable to some medications in its ability to alleviate symptoms from bipolar disorder. It has been shown to reduce low moods and improve sleep quality for patients with bipolar disorder.
Depression
Exercise is one of the most important parts of maintaining mental health and can be an effective treatment for depression. In a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who exercised were less likely to report symptoms of depression than those who didn’t. Plus, exercise has been shown to help alleviate anxiety disorders and also combat stress.
PTSD
Exercise is an important part of treatment for PTSD, and it can help keep symptoms under control. It’s also a great way to stay connected with the outside world.
Exercise helps you get into a good routine, which reduces your risk for depression and anxiety. Plus, when you exercise regularly, your body releases endorphins that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress. Regular exercise also boosts serotonin production in the brain, which can lead to improved sleep quality and a greater sense of well-being overall.
Exercise helps people with PTSD feel more in control because they are able to change their physical state through physical activity.
Addiction
Exercise is one way to combat addiction. It releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and help reduce feelings of stress or depression. Exercise can also lead to better sleep which is important for maintaining mental health. In addition, exercise has been shown to produce a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that promotes the growth and maintenance of neurons, nerve cell fibers and synapses, which are all essential for healthy brain functioning. Exercise can also improve mood by reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone produced during periods of stress.
Learn more about the benefits of exercise on mental health at The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Stabilizing Mental Health Medications
-One study found that for every point on the body mass index scale, there was a 3% increased risk of depression in women and 5% increased risk in men.
-Exercise is known to improve sleep quality and mood, decrease stress levels, and reduce feelings of anxiety.
-Another study found that people with higher levels of physical activity have lower levels of depression symptoms than those who were not as active.
-Researchers have also found that people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from mental health problems like major depression or bipolar disorder than those who do not work out.
Memory
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and overall well-being. The benefits are so numerous that it’s hard to list them all. However, there are some key points that should be pointed out. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduces symptoms of depression, relieves stress and anxiety, speeds up recovery from injury and illness, increases energy level through more efficient oxygen use in the muscles and boosts self-esteem by giving you a sense of accomplishment. And these are just a few!
Reducing Stress and Feeling Happier
It’s been found that exercise can help reduce stress, increase your happiness, and even make you feel less lonely. You might find that exercising releases endorphins and other hormones in your brain which makes you feel better. When you’re feeling stressed or unhappy, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to go for a run or work out at the gym. But once you start, often times you’ll find that it releases those feelings and gives them a more positive spin. By making exercising part of your routine, it becomes easier to make time for it and stick with it over time because it becomes a habit.
Living a Longer Life
Exercise has been proven to help people live a longer, healthier life. According to the CDC, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of death from any cause by 25%. Not only does it make you healthier, but it also helps your mental health. It’s shown that exercise can help lower anxiety and depression levels as well as improve mood. Plus, exercising regularly can help you sleep better at night and feel more energized during the day.
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