The benefits of exercise are not limited to weight loss, muscle size, and aerobic capacity. While it slims your waistline, improves physical health and physique, and adds years to your life, it can be the difference between a happy and sad life. Working out is one of the remedies for mental health challenges apart from giving you a sense of well-being. Research done over the years suggests that people who exercise find it easier to manage depression, anxiety, and even Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Regular exercise can relieve stress, improve member and sleep patterns, and boost your overall mood. And you do not have to e a “fitness freak” to reap the mental health benefits of exercise. Moderate amounts of exercise are enough irrespective of your fitness or age to help deal with mental problems. Download the FITPASS app to reserve workout slots at thousands of gyms across several locations in India.
Mental Benefits of Exercise
1. Reduced depression and anxiety
Science has proved that working out boosts your mood and thus decreases the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Staying physically active increases the levels of endorphin – the chemical produced in the brain and spinal cord responsible for happiness and good mood) in the body. Working out for 120-150 minutes every week can reduce anxiety and depression. Doctors often prescribe working out 3-4 times a week instead or in addition to medication.
2. Decreased stress levels
The lower the stress, the happier we are. It is a known fact that exercise reduces stress levels and therefore has mental benefits. As the heart rate increases during exercise, the brain damage caused due to stress is reversed. Exercise stimulates the production of hormones that improve cognition and mood in addition to thinking abilities during stressful events. Exercise bridges the gap between the sympathetic nervous systems that in turn improves the body’s ability to respond to stress.
3. Better self-esteem and self-confidence
Low self-esteem and self-confidence adversely affect mental health. When you exercise to lose weight and increase muscles, physical achievements boost self-esteem, which in turn, improves confidence. Sometimes these can be better motivators than fitting into clothes, better figure/physique to exercise and stay fit. Exercising brings out the naturally cheerful side in you that boosts your body, mind, and spirit.
4. Improved sleep pattern
If you are not sleeping well at night, start exercising. Staying active increases body temperature that eventually calms the mind. You can fall asleep without trying too hard and feel well-rested and energetic in the morning. Our bodies have a natural alarm clock – the circadian rhythm – that regulates our levels of alertness and tiredness. Exercise improves your circadian rhythm. That being said, avoid exercising before going to sleep. Try working out early in the morning.
5. Better brain activity
Exercising boosts brain power in many ways, especially improved memory and intelligent decision making. Cardio workouts lead to the production of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis, which improves the performance of your brain. Moreover, it helps prevent cognitive regression and memory loss by strengthening the part of the brain – the hippocampus – that is responsible for learning and memory. Finally, studies conclude that working out improves creativity and inspiration. That’s why taking a walk is recommended when you feel lost.
