Mental conditions; even in a world as advanced and contemporary as today’s, there exist so many people who live
in denial regarding the fact that being mentally ill is a factual thing, should not be ignored, and must be prevented or cured in order for an individual to experience life like it is supposed to be experienced- with glee and joy.
It has been estimated, that 1 in 5 children and young adults suffer from compromised mental health in one way or the other and around 27% of them might face impairment down the road due to their mental health! Yet, according to a survey, around 60% of interviewees did not accept it as a serious issue.
Exercise; working out at the gym, taking a walk, going for a run around the block, or doing yoga in front of the TV- everyone knows regular exercise improves physical health. Doctors recommend it to people so they can avoid certain cardiovascular diseases or obesity, or so they can reduce the effects of a disease they are already suffering from.
But what is the connection between mental health and exercise, if the two even have one? The answer is yes, they do have a connection, and a pretty strong one at that. Exercise actually has a great effect on your mood and perspective:
two things that shape the way you experience and see life. But how so? Let us take a closer look.
One of the most important benefits of exercise is probably the stress relief it brings. There are many things that bother a mind and cause it to overthink when it shouldn’t. Exercise is actually a fun way to distract it from doing so and also relax and eliminate the tension from your brain as you do the same with your muscles. It has been suggested that partaking in some sort of sport at least 4 times a week actually reduces mental distress by 47 percent!
All the more reason to join that tennis club in your community.
Participating in physical activity also makes you feel happy, albeit chemically. Being active releases certain endorphins in your bloodstream, giving you a sense of euphoria and satisfaction with your life. Often at times, those that are clinically depressed are asked to partake in regular exercise as it can help build self-esteem, strengthen shaking confidence, and give you a feeling of accomplishment upon getting your workout done.
Sleep plays such an important part in shaping your mood for the day.
If you do not get a good night’s sleep, you will wake up groggy and irritated in the morning, possibly sporting a headache, and your entire day will practically become a routine of lifeless motions that you have been forced into. Through exercise, you can change this outlook.
*If You Suffer From Gym Anxiety, Click Here For Helpful Advice*
As physical activity raises the temperature of your body, when it gradually drops, you feel as if you have taken a sleeping pill and your mind decides that it is time for a peaceful and deep sleep unlike the restless ones who have been having.
Add to that the fact that it can also help to improve memory, reduce anxiety levels, ward off mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and help you to further appreciate life and the beauty around you, and you will realize that getting off that couch and hitting the gym for an hour or two can do so much more for you than just give you those toned abs or that perfect beach body!
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I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
I used to have pretty intense anxiety and depression. I’d been in a car accident, and had some nasty scars from breaks in my arms and was in a wheel chair for a long time. I always felt very self conscious. My dad was in the Navy Seals and always told me I should exercise, to help; I didn’t listen to him for almost two years
Turned out, he was right. As soon as I did any kind of exercise that got me to a comfortable point of exhaustion, I started feeling better. Not perfect, but a lot better. Got better sleep, too.
How true it is.
It’s amazing that exercise increases endorphins and makes you feel like you have taken a sleeping pill. Not only that but the other effects on mental health are anxiety and self-esteem. You wouldn’t think that just one thing could have that many effects.
Thanks for the feedback Erika.
Not how, but exercise is evident to improve quality of life and health.
Amazing information. I am ready and motivate now for the action.
Great to hear Tracy.
Great post and thank you for sharing this as it might help many people. Loved reading it!
Very welcome.