When it comes to our mental health, we often think about the ways in which we can improve it. We read articles, take courses, and talk to experts in order to learn how to better ourselves. But what if we told you that one of the best things you can do for your mental health is something that is free and easy? That’s right – exercise! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why exercise is good for your mental health.
Exercising Boosts Your Mood
We all know that exercise is good for our physical health, but did you know that it is also good for our mental health? Exercise has been shown to boost our mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is because exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and also improve our mood. So, if you are feeling down or anxious, go for a walk, run, or swim and see how much better you feel afterwards!
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
In addition to boosting our mood, exercise also helps to reduce anxiety and stress. This is because when we exercise, our body releases chemicals that help to relax us and improve our mood. Exercise has also been shown to take our minds off of our worries and concerns, which can be a great way to reduce stress. If you are feeling stressed out, try going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or going for a swim. You will likely find that your stress levels are much lower after you have exercised. When you do not exercise, your body is more likely to be in a state of stress. Notice the difference in how your body and mind feel after you have exercised. This is one of the reasons that you can easily notice why exercise is so good for your mental health!
Improves Memory and Concentration
Exercise has also been shown to improve memory and concentration. This is likely due to the fact that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve brain function. So, if you are looking for a way to boost your memory and concentration, go for a run or take a dance class! For instance, according to studies, people who did aerobic exercise three times a week for six months improved their performance on memory tests by up to 50%! Also, try playing memory games while you are and while you are not exercising to see the difference for yourself.
Improved Self-Esteem
Additionally, exercise also helps to improve self-esteem. This is because when we exercise, we feel good about ourselves and our bodies. Exercise can also help to increase our confidence and make us feel more positive about ourselves. So, if you are looking for a way to boost your self-esteem, go for a run or take a yoga class. You will likely find that your self-esteem is much higher after you have exercised. Also, if you have never exercised before, starting small and gradually increasing your activity level is a great way to ease into it and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, if you keep exercising regularly, you will notice an improvement in your appearance, and you will feel more satisfied with yourself!
Exercise Improves Your Sleep Quality
Do you often find yourself tossing and turning at night, unable to fall asleep? If you’re having trouble sleeping, exercise can help! Although it may seem counterintuitive to work out before bed, exercise actually helps improve our sleep quality. This is because exercise makes us tired and helps our bodies wind down before bed. Just be sure not to exercise too close to bedtime, as this can make it difficult to fall asleep. Research has shown that people who exercise regularly sleep better than those who don’t. If you suffer from insomnia, try going for a run in the morning or taking a yoga class at night. You will likely find that your sleep quality improves.
Exercise Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment
Whenever we complete a workout, we are reminded of our own strength and abilities. This sense of accomplishment can help improve our self-esteem and give us a boost of confidence. Additionally, exercise provides us with a sense of structure and routine. This can be particularly helpful if we are struggling with anxiety or depression, as it can give us a sense of control in our lives.
There are many reasons why exercise is good for your mental health. We hope that this blog post has inspired you to get moving and improve your mental wellbeing. So, if you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, start exercising! You will likely find that it makes a world of difference. Thanks for reading!
Nina Burkovskaya is a senior content writer at Raisetwice since 2020. She has 12 years of yoga experience and 5 years experience of motivational coaching. On a free time loves to read biographies of the famous people and go for a walk with her dog.