We often mistakenly think that exercise is just a means to get the perfect figure (what the hell is this, by the way?). However, exercise works to help you have a clear mind, more energy, and even better sleep. That’s what we want to focus on. How can regular exercise help improve mood rather than waist circumference? After all, it’s much more important. And – hey – you can get these physical health benefits too! So, now let’s dive in!
Elevate Your Mood
We’ve all had times when everything didn’t go well. There was a permanent marker in the washing machine, our toes got stuck on the bed rails, the dog ran out of the fence, and it was all done in 5 minutes. Often, these are the little things that cause us to feel down, and we can stay that way for the rest of the day. But what if we told you that there is a way to reverse this frowning situation? Yes! The answer is moving. There is evidence that it only takes 5 minutes of simple aerobic exercise to start feeling the mood-boosting effects. So if you feel like nothing can change your day, give yourself 5 minutes to take a quick walk around the block and see what happens! If this self-care strategy helps, it’s better than sulking all day.
Exercise, Depression and Anxiety
Several studies have been conducted on the effects of exercise on mental health issues. You can find research from Harvard University and several other credible institutions on the web. Those people we met all seemed to say the same thing – exercise therapy for mental health helped reduce symptoms of depression and even anxiety. Some therapists even use physical activity and exercise as a supplement to mental health therapy. It’s a very exciting concept for those of us who suffer from these conditions. In some cases, stretching for 30 minutes has also been shown to reduce symptoms. The point is, you don’t need to do a lot of work to get a lot of results. When we’re feeling down, it’s hard to go to the gym. We understand that. That’s why during those difficult moments, it might be a good idea to go for a walk outside or allow yourself to do relaxing yoga poses in your living room.
Improve Your Sleep
Research outlined by the National Sleep Foundation shows that exercise can improve sleep in people with chronic insomnia. Researchers believe this is associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Boost Your Self-Esteem
Our self-esteem can change the way we look at life and our positive attitude towards the world. One of the great things about exercising is that it makes you proud of yourself. Having well-defined abs isn’t the point. Seeing you run a mile in 20 seconds or feeling a little protruding shoulders after a workout is enough to give you extra motivation to look your best.
Excessive Exercise Is Contraindicated
There is one thing in common in all of these mental health benefits. You don’t need to do a lot of exercise to see significant results. We know that it’s easy for people to fall into the trap of overexercising, but the results of doing so are the opposite of these positive effects. Your body will overwork you, so you will perform poorly, which can lead to a bad mood, short recovery time, and even a weakened immune system. So, don’t increase from zero exercise to three hours a day. It’s important to have a comprehensive and sustainable self-care routine. Keep it simple, set yourself small, achievable goals, and set aside positive rest days for walks or stretching. We want you to make it a habit to become the strongest, healthiest version of yourself. This means you’ll be involved for the long haul. So, don’t rush the process by overdoing it.
