Updated: March 10, 2022
Exercise keeps the body physically healthy, but exercise can also positively impact your mental health. Studies show that people who incorporate regular exercise into their lifestyle decrease rates of depression, anxiety and tend to be better off mentally and emotionally. One of the Nesfield Performance Pillars is a focus on the mind because we understand that your mindset, mood, behavioral patterns and value system all impact your health decisions.
If you have not considered exercising for the physical benefits, check out some of the mental health benefits of exercise.
Exercise Reduces Stress
Stress results from a variety of daily life factors and challenges, and you may be unaware that while you feel stress, it also produces physical symptoms. When you feel pressure or anxiety, you may unknowingly tense up in areas like your neck, face, and shoulders. Long-term stress in those areas can eventually cause long-term neck and back pain as well as painful headaches. You can experience other harmful health effects, like consistent chest pains and muscle cramps. Usually, these uncomfortable physical symptoms only lead to more stress and pain.
Physical activity increases your heart rate and makes your heart stronger. This means your heart can pump more blood without working as hard, which lowers your blood pressure overall. Physical activity also releases endorphins, or happy chemicals, in the brain, which help to relax your muscles and release tension.
Exercise Reduces Anxiety
Exercise is an effective anti-anxiety method. Exercising can divert your attention away from the things that give you anxiety and can give you something else to focus on in the moment. Increased mindfulness and focus on physical fitness will improve your physical presence and make you more present by interrupting the worries fueling your anxiety. Exercising can also build up your resilience and confidence to be strong and fight against anxious emotions. If possible, try to exercise outside to get in tune with nature and increase the effectiveness of your workout efforts.
Exercise Helps With ADHD
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may find it hard to concentrate, finish tasks, or control emotions and sometimes use medical treatments to help them. Regular exercise is a great natural way and alternative to reducing the symptoms of ADHD. Exercise can improve a person’s concentration, memory, and motivation. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called neurotransmitters that not only help you feel better but help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp to tackle your other tasks. Additionally, your mind focuses on the plan, organization, and details of various exercises during an exercise routine, which could improve your memory beyond the gym.
Your exercise efforts do not have to be extensive; you can start small and increase your activity gradually. Be sure to schedule your workouts when your energy is at its highest; it will cause you to get the most out of your efforts. Also, try to do more physical activities that you enjoy. Finding enjoyment will increase your motivation, and you will have fun doing something that, at times, will be challenging.
Remember to give yourself rewards to help you stick to your exercise routine and improve your emotional well-being. Be gentle with yourself and try to be as consistent you can to truly feel the mental health benefits of exercise.
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