Developing and sticking to an exercise routine can be difficult, especially if you travel for work. However, physical exercise offers countless benefits for the body and mind, making it a habit you won’t want to skip.
The physical benefits of exercise are well-known, but many people are unaware of the vast mental health benefits exercise provides. Exercise is a proactive way to relieve and even eliminate mental health problems like stress and anxiety. Learn more about the many mental health benefits of exercise here.
Exercise to Fight Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 8.4 percent of adults in the United States have had at least one significant depressive episode. Research shows that all levels of exercise, from light to vigorous, can reduce the severity of depression. In some cases, exercise can be as effective as other, more common treatment methods for depression, such as medication or talk therapy.
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common mental health issues for Americans. The American Psychological Association states that stress is a significant health concern in the U.S., with about 33 percent of Americans living with extreme stress.
Research shows that exercise increases endorphins, hormones that improve mood while relieving pain and reducing stress. Physical activity decreases the stress hormone cortisol. It can also distract you from negative emotions and thoughts.
Physical activity may also improve the way the body reacts to stress or stressful events. A 2014 study associated regular exercise with superior emotional resilience to stress. That means exercise may help you cope with future stress in addition to the stress you currently face.
Boost Self-Confidence
Exercise offers physical and mental health benefits, and all of these benefits are intertwined. The physical advantages of exercise, such as increasing muscle strength, losing weight, and creating a healthy glow, can improve self-confidence.
As you exercise regularly, you will see improvements in discomfort tolerance, superior cardiovascular fitness, and improved muscular strength. These improvements develop a feeling of mastery and confidence.
Exercise and PTSD
Many people relate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with military veterans, but PTSD affects people of all ages, nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. It affects roughly 3.5 percent of adults in the U.S. each year.
Research shows that exercise may benefit people with PTSD by improving sleep and cardiovascular problems while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity may also reduce fear and worry, providing some people with relief from panic attacks.
Other Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
The mental and physical benefits of exercise are numerous. Research also shows that exercise can help with memory loss and addiction control. It can promote sounder sleep, increase energy, and improve motivation. Physical activity has even been linked to superior cognitive function, such as improved concentration and critical thinking skills.
You may notice some of the above mental health benefits immediately after a workout. Other advantages become evident once you have developed healthy exercise habits. Creating an exercise routine that you can perform at home or on the go can be the ticket to improving your mental health and overall well-being.
For further information, please see the below resource, and Stay Fit — mentally and physically.
Dan Borucki is an ISSA Certified Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer at Re|Claim Fitness. He is committed to providing a level of service that is focused on the individual, whatever his or her needs and goals may be. Borucki strives to encourage, support and challenge his clients to feel stronger, healthier and more confident.