The Surprising Benefits of Regular Exercise on Your Mental Health
Do you know that regular exercise can do more than just tone your muscles and keep you physically fit? It turns out that working up a sweat on a regular basis can also have immense benefits for your mental health. From improving mood and reducing anxiety to boosting self-confidence, the positive impact of exercise on our minds is nothing short of remarkable. So if you’re looking for some serious motivation to get moving, read on as we explore the surprising ways in which exercise can benefit your mental wellbeing.
What are the Surprising Benefits of Regular Exercise on Your Mental Health?
Exercise has long been touted for its physical benefits, but did you know that it can also have a profound effect on your mental health? Regular exercise has been shown to help with conditions like anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
Here are some of the surprising benefits of regular exercise on your mental health:
1. Exercise can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Studies have shown that regular exercise can be as effective as medication in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
2. Exercise can help improve brain function and memory.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve brain function and memory. One study found that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times per week was associated with improved executive function (the ability to plan, organize, and remember). Another study found that aerobic exercise was associated with better performance on tests of verbal memory and learning.
How Does Exercise Improve Your Mental Health?
Exercise has long been known to be beneficial for physical health, but its effects on mental health are often underestimated. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It can also help improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem.
Regular exercise can help you feel better and function more effectively both mentally and physically. It can also make it easier to cope with stress and manage your emotions. If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you exercise each week.
What Type of Exercise is Most Beneficial for Mental Health?
Exercise has well-documented physical benefits, but did you know that it can also improve your mental health? A growing body of research suggests that regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function.
So what type of exercise is most beneficial for mental health? While any type of exercise is good for you, some forms may be better than others at promoting psychological well-being.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is any type of sustained physical activity that raises your heart rate. Examples include walking, running, biking, swimming, and dancing.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to be particularly effective at reducing anxiety and improving mood. In one study, adults who completed eight weeks of aerobic exercise reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and an improved ability to cope with stress (1).
Another study found that just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times per week was enough to significantly improve mood and reduce fatigue in people with depression (2).
In addition to its effects on mental health, aerobic exercise has also been linked to better brain health and cognitive function. One study found that six months of aerobic exercise improved executive function (i.e., planning and problem-solving ability) in older adults (3). Another showed that four months of aerobic training increased hippocampal volume (a marker of brain health) in people with depression (4).
Resistance Exercise
Tips for Incorporating Regular Exercise into Your Life
If you’re like most people, you know that exercise is good for your physical health. But what you may not know is that exercise can also have a profound effect on your mental health. Here are some tips for incorporating regular exercise into your life:
1. Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon. If you’re just starting out, aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three to five times per week. You can increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts as you get more fit.
2. Find an activity you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re less likely to stick with it. So find an activity that you look forward to and that doesn’t feel like a chore. It could be walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or taking a fitness class.
3. Make it convenient. Choose an activity that doesn’t require a lot of time or equipment and can be done close to home. That way, you’re more likely to make it part of your regular routine.
4. Schedule it into your day. Put your workouts on your calendar just like any other appointment and make them a priority. This will help you stick with them even when life gets busy or stressful.