How regular exercise
can improve mental health
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Everyone knows that regular exercise is good for our
body, but it was also found that physical exercise has some positive impact on
our mental health also. Now, there is no need to be a fitness freak to reap the
benefits. A little bit of regular exercise can help us both physically and
mentally regardless of your age or fitness level.
The benefits of
exercise on mental health
Exercise
is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve
your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline, improves your sex
life, and even adds years to your life. But that’s not what motivates most
people to stay active.
People who
exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of
well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night,
have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and
their lives. And it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health
challenges.
Exercise and depression
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Studies
show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as
antidepressant medication—but without the side-effects, of course. In addition
to relieving depression symptoms, research also shows that maintaining an
exercise schedule can prevent you from relapsing.
Exercise
is a powerful depression fighter for several reasons. Most importantly, it
promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced
inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and
well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that
energize your spirits and make you feel good. Finally, exercise can also serve
as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the
cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression.
Exercise and stress
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Ever noticed how your body feels when you’re under
stress? Your muscles may be tense, especially in your face, neck, and
shoulders, leaving you with back or neck pain, or painful headaches. You may
feel tightness in your chest, a pounding pulse, or muscle cramps.
You may also experience problems such as insomnia, heartburn, stomachache,
diarrhea, or frequent urination. The worry and discomfort of all these physical
symptoms can, in turn, lead to even more stress, creating a vicious cycle between
your mind and body.
Exercising is an effective way to break this cycle.
As well as releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity helps to relax
the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so
closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind.
Mental and emotional
benefits of exercise
Higher Self-Esteem
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Regular activity is an investment in
your mind, body, and soul. When it becomes a habit, it can foster your sense of
self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful. You will feel better about
your appearance and, by meeting small exercise goals, you will feel a sense of
achievement.
Better Sleep
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Even short bursts of exercise in the morning or in the afternoon can help regulate your sleep patterns. If you prefer to exercise at
night, relaxing exercises such as yoga or gentle stretching can help promote
sleep.
Even a little bit of
activity is better than nothing
If that still seems intimidating, don’t despair.
Even just a few minutes of physical activity is better than none at all. If
you don’t have time for 15 or 30 minutes of exercise, or if your body tells you
to take a break after 5 or 10 minutes, for example, that’s okay, too. Start
with 5- or 10-minute sessions and slowly increase your time. The more you
exercise, the more energy you’ll have, so eventually you’ll feel ready for a
little more. The key is to commit to some moderate physical activity—however
little—on most days. As exercising becomes a habit, you can slowly add extra
minutes or try different types of activities. If you keep at it, the benefits
of exercise will begin to pay off.
Reference:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm/
Name: Alexius Thomas.
Roll No.: SU180021
Class: F.Y.B.Sc. Chemistry.