Exercise ... The Best Way to Boost Your Mental Health!
Apart from the benefits of exercising, joining a group can be social and fun! It get’s you out of your comfort zone.
It’s a big question, but is exercise the best way to solve or cure your depression, daily stress, or mental health issues?
THE WORLD OF CHAOS
Let’s face it, we are living in a new pandemic world where we are subjected to harsh lockdowns, we have to make complete adjustments to how we live, and we can’t plan anything as we don’t know what the future holds. With all of this uncertainty, no wonder mental health issues are becoming a huge concern. You either know someone/many people suffering or are suffering yourself. Mental illness can have an impact on a person’s cognitive, behavioural and social functioning. Those with a mental illness often struggle to engage in their regular work, social and physical activities to the full extent which further impacts the illness as social isolation than often occurs.
TIME TO TAKE CONTROL
The good news is that we won’t have to live a life full of stress and anxiety. As we all know, the current situation will be here to stay for many months. How we respond to life is the most important. Fortunately there are many ways to cope with mental health issues. One particular way to help is by exercising.
EXERCISE AS MEDICINE
There are some studies suggesting that exercise is just as effective, if not more effective than pharmacological intervention in alleviating depressive symptoms.
Exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood.
DID YOU KNOW?
Only 30% of Australians report that they participate in physical activity more than once a week.
Our Top 5 Reasons to Get Up and Get Moving TODAY:
Help for Depression and Anxiety - Exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Physical activity kicks up endorphin levels, the body’s “feel good” chemical produced by the brain and spinal cord that produces feelings of happiness and euphoria. In fact, some doctors recommend trying out an exercise regimen for these conditions before turning to medication.
Brain Function - Exercise pumps blood to the brain, which can help you to think more clearly. It also increases the connections between the nerve cells in the brain. This improves your memory and helps protect your brain against injury and disease. Studies also prove that physical activity boosts creativity and mental energy. We all need some more of this!
Self Esteem - Exercising regularly gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel good about yourself. Confidence is the key to success!
Increased Energy - Exercising boosts oxygen circulation inside your body. This increase in oxygen not only supports the mitochondria's energy production, it allows your body to function better and to use its energy more efficiently. Time to get things done.
Better Sleep - Exercise improves your sleep. Physical activity increases body temperature, which can have calming effects on the mind. Regular exercise helps you to fall asleep faster, you get better quality sleep and a much deeper sleep. Sweet dreams!
Stay tuned for the next blog on “How To Start Moving and The Best Steps To Begin your Exercise Routine.”