Exercise has long been recognized as a powerful tool for improving strength, reducing body fat and preventing disease. But did you know that it also impacts your mental health?
Physical activities, like walking and running, have been proven to improve the brain and boost mood. But how does it happen?
Increases Endorphin Levels
When you exercise, your body releases various brain chemicals that boost your mood. These include endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones are also known as “happiness hormones” because they naturally elevate your mood and make you feel good.
Many people have heard of the “runner’s high” that some feel after an intense workout session. While there isn’t a clear explanation as to why some people feel this way, it doesn’t mean that the feeling isn’t real and can be enjoyed by those who exercise regularly.
The good news is that there are ways to get more of these happy hormones flowing. Some of these are a natural part of the process, while others require more effort.
One of the most popular and easy ways to boost your endorphin levels is through exercise. You can run, do some weight lifting, or even do something as simple as walking around the house.
Exercising at fitness cartel Aspley regularly can be difficult to fit into a busy schedule, but it’s worth it. It can positively impact your physical and mental health and help you sleep better.
Boosts Mood
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood. It can make you feel energized, positive, and more comfortable in your skin. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, often associated with depression.
The key is to find a routine that works best for you and stick with it. It may take time to figure out what works for you, but it can be worth it in the long run.
Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate, which in turn helps you to release these feel-good hormones. This exercise can include swimming, running, walking, and cycling.
Studies have found that exercising can also help you connect with others, which is another important aspect of good mental health. Whether you join a group class or spend time with friends and family, the interaction can positively impact your mood.
It’s also a great idea to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Walking through the woods or going to the beach are effective ways to relax and boost your mood. The sun can also provide you with Vitamin D, a natural antidepressant.
Helps You Sleep Better
Aside from the obvious health benefits of exercise, it also impacts many aspects of your life – including sleep. The good news is that exercise can make you feel more relaxed, boost your mood and improve your sleep quality.
The best time to exercise is a few hours before bedtime. It’s important to note that exercising within two hours of going to bed may keep you awake and prevent you from sleeping well, so be sure to exercise safely before bedtime.
One of the main reasons exercise is beneficial to sleep is that it helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Regular exercise increases the amount of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes drowsiness and regulates your body’s circadian rhythms. It also reduces stress and anxiety, often the culprits of insomnia.
Physical activity also improves your sleep quality by boosting slow-wave (stages 3 and 4 of non-REM) sleep, which is essential for immune function, muscle recovery and memory processing.
To achieve the most benefits from your workout routine, you should choose challenging and fun exercises. A good example is boxing, which combines callisthenics, strength training and movement patterns such as footwork. Alternatively, consider yoga and meditation, which both have been shown to impact sleep.
Helps You Think Better
There are many reasons to exercise – it can stave off obesity, control blood pressure and dampen inflammation. However, it has also been shown that regular exercise can improve your brain power. The science of exercise is largely based on the simple fact that movement increases oxygen flow to your brain and bolsters memory and learning.
A well-designed exercise routine can be as simple as a short walk or light jog or as complex as an intense martial arts workout. The trick to maximizing the benefits of exercise is to incorporate various exercises into your routine, including cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training as well as balance and other forms of low-impact movement.
One of the best ways to get the most out of your routine is to research which types of activities are most beneficial to your health. The top-notch in this department is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but you could also try a low-impact activity such as swimming or yoga.
The best part is that it can be incorporated into your daily schedule with little more than your imagination and the assistance of a friend or personal trainer.
The biggest challenge in incorporating exercise into your life is overcoming resistance and prioritising it. The trick is to find a group exercise class or hire a personal trainer to help you along the way.
