Most people know about the many physical benefits of exercise, like lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and increased energy. However, there are many psychological benefits of staying active. From a sharper memory to easing symptoms of the blues, there are so many reasons why staying active is your best bet for feeling better in life. Learn about the importance of physical fitness and how it can help mental health.
Fitness helps mental health by improving your mood
The physical benefits of exercise are frequently discussed. The link between mental health and exercise, however, deserves more attention. Physical exercise can help ward off mental health problems before they start. It can also help improve existing symptoms of many mental health struggles.
According to the National Library of Medicine, exercise decreases your sensitivity to the body’s reaction to anxiety. On top of that, exercise helps promote the growth of new neurons in key areas of the brain. Exercise decreases stress hormones like cortisol and helps increase endorphins to give your mood a natural boost. Endorphins are a “feel good” chemical produced by your brain and spinal cord. Endorphins also reduce your perception of pain, increase energy levels, and improve endurance.
Exercise helps reduce stress levels by increasing your heart rate and reversing stress-induced brain damage. It does this by stimulating the production of neurohormones which help improve cognition and mood. Thoughts that were once clouded by stressful events can become clear again. Because physical activity forces your body’s central and sympathetic nervous systems to communicate, it helps improve your body’s overall ability to respond to stress.
Exercise boosts your brainpower
Exercise has profound effects on your brain structure, especially in the regions most affected by depression. It also enhances focus by strengthening memory and learning abilities.
Cardiovascular exercise creates new brain cells and improves overall brain performance. It helps prevent cognitive declines and memory loss by strengthening your hippocampus. When you get your heart pumping and your blood flowing more freely, your brain is better able to learn new information and recall memories. Studies show that when people experience a lack of inspiration, a brisk walk can help their brain perform better.
Enhanced regulation of cognitive and emotional responses leads to greater ability to tolerate discomfort and develop mastery and confidence. Not only does exercise occupy your attention, but it can help keep you from ruminating on things you’re worried about.
Occupying your mind with exercise gives structure, purpose, energy, and motivation to continue. It also helps alter the way your brain processes and responds to emotions.
Exercise helps you get better sleep
Moderate exercise during the day has been shown to help people sleep better. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep may lead to lower levels of daily physical activity. Prolonged sleep issues can be linked to a number of mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. Regular exercise reduces daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms.
Just 30 minutes of exercise can help alleviate anxiety and help you sleep at night. When done daily for three to five days a weeks, exercise has been shown to significantly improve mental health. Even smaller amounts of physical activity for ten to fifteen minutes can make a difference in sleep quality.
Use supplements that help improve mood
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Using key ingredients like L-Tyrosine, this handy on-the-go drink mix supports elevated expression of redox enzymes to help regulate mood. Ashwagandha helps your body regulate stress hormones to create a feeling of relaxation, and saffron helps fight stress for better sleep and improved mood. Developed without any artificial flavors, colors, sugars, or preservatives, REDOXMood l helps your body perform at its best.