5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.

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From lowering stress to boosting self-esteem, exercise is as great for your brain as it is for your body. Most of us know the physical benefits of exercise such as weight control, lowering risk of blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and increased energy among others. But what about the mental benefits of exercise? From easing symptoms of depression and anxiety to keeping your memory sharp and focused, there is no shortage of mental benefits of exercise. Whether you need motivation to get to the gym or to just take a brisk walk, the five psychological benefits of exercise below will have you tying up your shoe laces and heading out the door.

1. Help reduce anxiety and depression.

Exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Activities such as walks, cycling, swimming or going to the gym kicks up endorphin levels, which are the body’s “feel good” chemical produced by the brain and spinal cord that produces feelings of happiness and euphoria. Even just moderate exercise throughout the week can reduce depression and anxiety. Sometimes  even doctors recommend trying out a workout regimen for these conditions before turning to medication. Within no time the depressive and anxiety episodes disappear without even realizing it so long as regular exercises are maintained.

2. Decreased stress levels.

Exercise reduces stress levels, something that can make us all happier. Increasing your heart rate can actually stimulate the production of endorphins, the "feel good" chemicals in the brain that make us feel good and less stressed. It also improves cognition and improves thinking clouded by stressful events. Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more vigor in your step every day. Relieving stress by exercising is healthier than drugs use which gives you a temporary high, leaves you more stressed and with potential health problems. 

3. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence.

When you set a goal and put in the necessary work in order to accomplish it and actually get to achieve your goal or even surpass it and receive more than what you expected, it drastically boosts your esteem and self-confidence. Physical achievements of exercise such as losing weight, increasing muscle tone and improving endurance that come about from regular exercise can as well all add up to a whopping boost of self-esteem—and the confidence that comes with it. You will start to look better, be more socially outgoing (make worthwhile relationships and connections) and feel proud of yourself. You will adopt a mindset of focus and confidence in your ability to achieve anything you set your mind to. Oftentimes it happens before you even realize it. It’s just one of the many benefits of physical activity that boost your body, mind, and spirit. 

4. Better sleep.

If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, exercise can help with that, too. Physical activity increases body temperature, which can have calming effects on the mind, leading to less sheep counting and wandering thoughts and more shuteye. Regular exercise can help you sleep better and quality sleep helps you manage your mood. 

5. Brain boost.

From building intelligence to strengthening memory, exercise boosts brainpower in a number of ways. It prevents cognitive decline and memory loss by strengthening the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Studies also prove that physical activity boosts creativity and mental energy. So if you’re in need of inspiration, your big idea could be just a walk or jog away.

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and stress are silent killers and affect a significant percentage of the population. Let's take the initiative and involve ourselves in regular exercises to prevent mental health issues and improve our mental health. Exercises can be in forms of heavy lifting in the gym, cardio, yoga, cycling, walking, jogging, swimming among many others.

Let's stay active!!