Breaking News: Weight loss, improved strength and increased muscle size are not the only benefits of exercising regularly… In fact, there are plenty of mental health benefits of exercise as well.
And today we’ll go over the three main ways a few minutes of exercise can help you support your mental health and wellbeing!
We spend our days worrying about work, about our health, the economy, politics, our never-ending to-do list and so much more. And this constant state of stress deeply affects our body and mind. It makes our muscles feel tight, our head pound and our mind blank.
Not great right? We’ve all had to deal with those tensing muscles and pounding headaches and overthinking after a stressful day. BUT… That’s exactly where exercise comes in. Moving your body for just a few minutes can help you relax your brain and allow your mind to slow down.
Think of exercise as a natural stress reliever: It releases endorphins (your body’s feel-good hormones) while also lowering our levels of cortisol (your body’s stress hormones).
So make sure to include some form of daily exercise every day to help reduce your stress levels. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout. It can be a 20-minute yoga flow, or maybe adding a morning walk to your routine. Choose a form of movement that works for you and that you actually enjoy. Don’t stress about it!
And if you need some extra help to get started… Our partners at The Motion Room can help you figure out the best exercise routine for you and your lifestyle!
One of the biggest mental health benefits of exercise is the almost immediate impact it can have on your mood. Remember, exercising releases endorphins, which can make us feel calmer, happier and more awake.
So, the next time you are feeling down and in need of a mood booster to cheer you up… Try taking 20-30 minutes to move your body… A good burst of endorphins might be exactly what you need.
Not to mention that exercise can also help you take your mind off some things. Helping you focus on your workout instead on the things that are bugging you
When you think about it. Exercising regularly is like an in yourself and your health. Making time to exercise is making time to improve yourself, work on your skills and build new habits. Which, in turn, can make you feel stronger, more disciplined and prouder of yourself for working towards your goals.
Regular exercise may also change your physical appearance. And if you are struggling with low self-esteem and self-worth, the more you focus on improving yourself the better your body will look and feel as well!
So if you are looking to lose weight, tone your body and look overall happier, having an exercise routine can really do wonders for your self-image.
And every time you run a little faster, lift a little heavier or swim a little farther, you will feel significantly more confident in your abilities too!
These are just some of the mental health benefits of exercise. But there are plenty more. From improving your sleep and boosting brain power to even helping treat symptoms of depression anxiety and ADHD.
So this is your reminder to try and make exercise a part of your everyday life! You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to see great results both physically and mentally. Just find a workout, class or activity you enjoy and stick to it. And be sure to check out The Motion Room for some extra guidance!