How Physical Activity Improves Mental Health by Charles Legare

​Image Credits: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-stretching-on-ground-3076509/

Introduction
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While there are many ways to improve mental health, it has been shown by research time and again that there is a strong correlation between physical activity and mental health. 

A moderate level of exercise has been associated with stress reduction, increased energy levels, boosted memory, improved concentration, as well as release of “happy hormones” such as oxytocin, all essential for mental well being. 

If you’re wondering how you can use physical activity to improve your mental health, here are some quick tips for you:

Exercise is the Answer to Anxiety And Depression

Any type of physical activity has proven to be a strong mood booster, so it isn’t a surprise that it has healing powers when it comes to anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions. Known for its “happy hormone” releasing properties, exercise has often been associated as a better treatment for treating mild to moderate anxiety and depression as compared to medicines. 

When you are exercising, you are grounded. By noticing your own movements, enjoying the present, and releasing tension that’s holding you back, many symptoms of anxiety and depression can be subsided. Because exercise brings about positive changes in the chemistry of the brain, even doctors recommend different forms of exercises for combating anxiety and depression.

Physical Activity Makes Your Stress Go Away

Believe it or not, physical activity, even in moderate levels can melt your stress away. When you’re in stressful situations, your body tenses up. The tension that you feel in your muscles can lead to a vicious cycle of discomfort where your body and mind keep reacting to stress. 

Exercise helps lower the level of stress hormone, known as cortisol, in your body leading to a relaxed nervous system. It also helps you think beyond your current situation and stay calm during stress.

Regular Exercise Helps Create a Positive Body Image

Regular exercise is a great way to build resilience and self confidence. When you constantly invest in your physical and mental well being, you enhance your self esteem, you achieve more physically, and as a result your body image reaches new heights.

Whether you are lifting weights on a gym bench, or dedicating one hour daily at the squat rack, by consistently showing up and working hard towards your goals, you receive intrinsic motivation that helps you create and maintain a positive body image. This teaches you to be more disciplined and builds trust within yourself to achieve other goals in your life.

Exercise Routine Induces Deeper Sleep

Depending on the time of the day when you like to exercise, you may have to vary between a high intensity workout or a low intensity exercise like yoga. However, the consensus is that no matter when you exercise, you’re bound to have a good night’s sleep afterwards.

Regular physical activity is known to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, also known as the built-in alarm clock of the body. When you start exercising during the day and engage in light stretching or yoga during the night, you indicate to your circadian rhythm that when’s the right time to rest and when it’s time to wake up, leading to a deeper and peaceful slumber.

Regular Physical Activity Makes You Sharp

If you thought exercise only made your body stronger, you may have to think again. Multiple studies have shown that regular cardiovascular exercise not only boosts brain power to focus on the current tasks but also improves long term memory, resulting in enhanced brain function.

Moreover, regular exercise has also been shown to delay the onset of brain conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's by strengthening the hippocampus. Since the hippocampus is the part of the brain that’s responsible for memory, learning, and creativity, it helps reduce chances of cognitive decline by keeping you sharp, focused and young, both physically and mentally.

To Summarize

It’s truly fascinating to know the mental benefits of physical activity. Whether you already enjoy exercising, or are on the fence about starting your exercise journey, this will help you appreciate the importance of physical activity and will increase your interest in finding more physical activities that you enjoy!