The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Exercise is not limited to physical activity or increasing muscle size. Yes, doing exercise may positively impact your physical health, improve physique, trim your waistline, and even prolong your life.
People do exercise because it gives them a sense of well-being. They feel energetic throughout the day, more focused, have improved memory, get quality sleep, and feel relaxed and positive about their lives. Exercise may help in fighting different mental health conditions.
Doing regular exercise may have a profound impact on anxiety and depression. It relieves stress and has a positive effect on your overall mood. You don't have to build strong muscles to get the benefits of exercise. A modest 30-minute walk may give positive results. Exercise may become a powerful tool for you to combat different mental health problems, improve energy levels, and get more out of your life.
Impact of Exercise on Depression
Exercise is a powerful tool to combat depression for several reasons. Regular exercise may be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression but without side effects. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, you can reduce the chances of getting major depression by 26 percent with one hour of walking or 15-minute running daily. Regular exercise may not only help reduce depression symptoms but also may prevent you from relapsing.
Exercise promotes neural growth and activity that makes you feel calm and well-being, brings changes in the mind, and reduces inflammation. It releases powerful chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins that energizes you and boost the feel-good factor. Exercise may give you some quiet time and serve as a distraction to ward off negative thoughts that stokes depression.
Impact of Exercise on Anxiety
Exercise may work as a natural and effective remedy for people suffering from anxiety. It relieves stress and tension, boosts mental and physical energy, and gives a sense of well-being through the release of endorphins.
Instead of zoning out, you can reap benefits if you pay attention and concentrate on mental and physical behavior. For instance, while walking, focus on breathing, or feel the feet touching the ground. By bringing this mindfulness element, you may improve your physical condition and negate harmful thoughts that affect your daily life.
Impact of Exercise on Stress
Stress has a harmful effect on your health. When under stress, you may feel tensed and may suffer from neck or back pain or get headaches. Exercise may help you fight stress-related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Overall, exercise has a positive impact on mental and physical health. You may fight stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and sleeplessness effectively.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.