Exercising affects our mental health. Mental health affects our motivation to exercise. According to several studies, exercise can improve an individual’s mental health. Among the many benefits of working out is that the activity improves an individual mood and boosts his or her self-confidence.
However, it is a sure thing that when people exercise, their mental health improves.
The stress of everyday life
Stress is with everyone and it is everywhere. A professional coming home from work can be struggling with work stress. A college student who is preparing for a big exam might be stressed. Even teenagers who are experiencing troubles at home are dealing with it. Stress is one of the biggest factors of our mental health. Too much of it can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental and physical health.
According to a study by the University of South Dakota, exercising more often can reduce stress, which can then slow down aging and the progression of different illnesses in the body. So, one sure way to battle the stress of everyday life is with the exercise of everyday life. This is more significant for professionals who might be dealing with too much stress on a daily basis.
Running
There are literally hundreds of different exercises out there and there are also so many pieces of equipment and tools you can use. But, you can never go wrong with running or jogging. Running still remains one of the best workouts for people who are looking to lose weight, be healthier, and cope with mental health issues. What makes running perfect is that it is really easy to do and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it. Not much preparation is needed and you can do it, almost everywhere.
For most, running is an exercise that relaxes the mind and body. It does that by releasing endorphins also known as the feel-good neurotransmitters of the brain. The goal you want to focus on if you want running to improve your mental health is to reach what they call the “runner’s high.” It is that stage in running wherein an individual reaches a high level of relaxation and optimism.
Impact of mental health on exercise
Exercise clearly impacts an individual’s mental health. It is also important to look at it the other way around. Does mental health affect exercising? The answer is yes. People who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues tend to isolate themselves and that could lead to them being inactive for a while.
If an individual on the other hand is feeling happy, confident, and motivated, he or she is more likely to exercise. So, the struggle many people experience is the lack of drive to just exercise, even just for simple workout routines right in the comfort of home.
Conclusion
There is a clear link between exercise and mental health. The more you exercise, the better your mental health is. The same can be said about a healthy diet. Someone who tends to overeat or indulge in unhealthy food can struggle mentally. On the other hand, someone who eats healthy food can feel more energetic and cheerful throughout the day.
So, when it comes to exercise and mental health, make sure to be mindful of both. Even if it isn’t to help your mental health, exercising is still something to embrace.
