by Sofia Moreau

The pandemic challenged us all, but resilience has been found in an unexpected place – exercise. According to recent research, a significant number of us turned to physical activity as a stronghold for our mental well-being.

The relationship between physical fitness and mental health is hardly a recent discovery. Exercise impacts not only your body but your brain too. As our expert fitness trainer stated, it is vital to take care of the most complex organ in our body while reaping benefits from physical activity. However, what is it about exercise that makes it so beneficial for our mental well-being?

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health, put simply, involves our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and impacts how we think, feel, and act. It plays a crucial role in handling stress, relating to others, and making decisions. Consequently, maintaining an optimal mental health level is important at every stage of life.

The Why and How of Exercise for Mental Health

Several studies have highlighted the positive effects of regular physical activity on mental health. Improved self-esteem, cognition, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved stress management are among these benefits.

Let’s delve a little deeper to understand the fascinating connection between exercising and mental wellness.

Workout and Release of the “Feel Good” Chemicals

Whenever you exercise, your brain releases various chemicals, including endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ chemicals as they boost mood, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and alleviate pain.

Fitness as a Distraction

Exercise colours your mind with myriad stimuli, leaving no room for intrusive thoughts. Essentially, physical fitness forces you to focus on the present, which in turn helps relieve anxiety and gain some mental space.

Physical Activity Suppresses Worrying

Exercise also prompts the release of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Contrary to its reputation, cortisol signals your body to release energy and suppresses the strategic ‘worrying’ part of your brain, the pre-frontal cortex. This process helps refocus the brain from overthinking to responding to physical activity, allowing you to enter ‘the zone.’

Nature Magnifies Benefits of Exercise

Exercising in nature offers an enhanced experience. The nature’s calming effect coupled with the physical exertion of exercise can significantly alleviate stress and anxiety, creating an ultimate workout experience.

Workout as a Mindfulness Exercise

Exercise requires focus and concentration. It could be on your breathing rhythm, the strain of a particular muscle, or even the impact of your feet against the ground. These moments of intense focus constitute a form of mindfulness, helping to keep your thoughts centered and prevent them from straying towards worry and stress.

Enrich Your Mental Health through Exercise: A How-to Guide

Exercise is a great way to care for and maintain your mental health. If you find it daunting, begin with small, simple steps, such as a brisk 30-minute walk, taking the stairs, or house chores. As you become comfortable, keep exploring activities that you enjoy and integrate them into your schedule. Remember, the aim is to ensure your physical fitness contributes to your mental well-being, enhancing your overall health.

So, get moving and discover the remarkable impact of physical fitness on mental health. Sooner than you know, exercise will become an indispensable part of your routine, and you will feel a holistic sense of well-being, mental vigor, and resilience.

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