Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health

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According to Research people who exercise on daily basis have lower rates of mental illness and have better mental health and emotional well being. 

Working out reduces the risk of developing mental health illnesses i.e. depression and anxiety. 

Psychological Benefits of Exercise: 

1. Boosts energy levels. 

2. Better sleep. 

3. Stress relief

4. Improvement in mood

5. Reduced tiredness.

6. Weight reduction

7. Mental alertness

8. Reduced cholesterol 

9. Improved cardiovascular fitness

How does exercise help depression and anxiety?

Regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by:

Release of feel-good endorphins:

 Endorphins are natural brain chemicals that can improve your sense of well-being.

Takes worries off your mind:

Thinking about something else instead of worrying can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression and anxiety.

Mental Health and Emotional benefits:

Help gain confidence. 

Getting in shape also can make you feel better about how you look. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. 

 More social interaction. 

Exercise and physical activity may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just sharing a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your block can boost your mood.

Healthy coping strategy. 

Doing something positive is a healthy coping strategy to manage your anxiety and depression. Doing drugs or drinking to feel better, dwelling on how you feel, or expecting anxiety and depression  will go away on its own can aggravate symptoms.

Staying active on the go.

Lifting weights, running, playing tennis and other fitness activities that get your heart pumping can help. Physical activity such as gardening, washing your car, walking around the street or doing other less intense activities. Any physical activity that gets you moving can improve your mood.

Find ways to add small amounts of physical activity throughout your day. For instance, park a little farther away from your work place to take a short walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or if you live close to your work place, consider cycling to work.