REAP THE MENTAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
More often than not we’re so focused on our physical fitness goals that we leave on the back burner the various mental benefits of exercise.
Whether it’s COVID-19 or just the grind of daily life that causes you to feel down and stressed, exercise can be a great way to boost your mood and improve your overall health. I am a huge advocate for this and will go on to explain why.
WHAT ARE THE RESEARCHED MENTAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISE?
Being sedentary and staying inside for long periods of time can lead to mild to moderate forms of depression or just general anxiety. With large sections of the world under restrictions, it’s easy to see how this can be a current problem for many people.
Fortunately, daily exercise has shown to fight away many of these depressive symptoms by boosting mood, improving cognitive function, and reducing anxiety. Exercise also releases endorphins in the brain to lift your mood naturally while providing improved self-image and feelings of accomplishment.
This is mainly due to increased serotonin levels in the brain during exercise, which is a chemical in the brain that helps to regulate mood, quality of sleep, and the production of new neurons.
Mood and mental disorders have also been linked to an increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease, increased rates of obesity, and diabetes. By improving your mood through exercise, studies have shown that physical exercise can help to decrease the risk for developing these conditions.
If this post hasn't already given you the urge to get up out of your chair and to move then keep reading their's plenty more to come.
WHAT TYPE OF EXERCISE PRODUCES MENTAL BENEFITS?
The way that people respond to exercise can vary, and because of this no one type of exercise will be right for everyone. take a read of which form exercise may suit your best.
AEROBIC EXERCISE
Aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, dancing and even outdoor chores, like gardening, are good ways to reduce anxiety and cause an increase in exercise-induced blood circulation in the brain.
ANAEROBIC EXERCISE
As for anaerobic exercise, short sprints or an occasional game of football or squash can be good for your heart or mood. However it’s also important not to overdo it. This form of exercise often produces adrenaline. If you over use your adrenal gland you could end up suffering from fatigue and poor mood regulation
OUTDOOR EXERCISE
While any form of exercise is better than none at all, getting outdoors to exercise can have additional benefits and help to:
Lower stress
Make you feel happier
Provide much needed Vitamin D.
MODERATE EXERCISE
If gaining mental benefits of exercise and boosting your mood are your top priorities, you’ll want to avoid overtraining or long periods of intense physical exercise, which has actually shown to have negative effects on the brain and your health overall. Rest is just as important as exercising. Your body needs a proper chance to reset and repair. Don't neglect this otherwise you may just find yourself in the same rut as you were in before.
Help and Advice
If you’re looking for any advice on the above blog or are looking for guidance and motivation through online coaching please drop me an email on josh@joshualukedavies.com to find out more information on how we can help you. Just like we’re helping hundred’s of other individuals become a fitter, healthier version of themselves. Alternatively go to this link to set up a consultation call.