Studies show the emotional benefits of exercise go beyond just physical wellbeing and losing weight; it also boosts your mental and emotional health. Movement is as powerful as medicine in many ways and can even duplicate the effects of antidepressants and ADHD pharmaceuticals.
Emotional Benefits of Exercise
Stress Reduction
Research reveals how exercising reduces physical and mental stress by releasing stress chemicals that help your brain deal with stress. Plus, putting your body through physical stress teaches you how to adapt and recover from stress mentally and physically.
When you increase your heart rate, you reverse stress-related issues by increasing the production of neurohormones, such as norepinephrine. These enhance your mood and cognition, so you remain clear-headed during stressful times. Working out also improves communication between your body’s sympathetic and central nervous systems, enhancing your ability to respond to anxiety and stress.
Better Sleep
When you work out, your body feels it. Muscles get torn, and your body needs to recover and heal. Your brain tells your body to sleep soundly at night, which is necessary for your physical wellbeing. As you can imagine, a good night’s sleep is an essential component of your mental health.
Thus, if you find that your sleep quality is low, try exercising. It increases your body temperature, calms your mind, and regulates your circadian rhythm.
Quality of Life
When you exercise, your brain releases feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, similar to pain medications that interact with your brain’s neurotransmitters. However, unlike pain killers, you can never chemically form an addiction to exercise—although some people do become “addicted” to the endorphin and serotonin release that occurs after an excellent workout. There is a euphoric feeling when your body is active, improving your optimism, happiness, and quality of life.
Confidence Boost
Working out can be an incredible boost to your self-esteem. By investing in looking and feeling healthier, you help design a body that feels strong and looks fantastic. Knowing that you are in tune with your mind and body can carry into other areas of your personal life and career. Your positive self-image increases your self-worth, especially when you are proud of your efforts and discipline.
Working out improves your endurance, helps you lose weight, increases your muscle tone, and gives you a slimmer physique.
Increase Your Cognitive Function
As we get older, our brain functions are known to decline. However, exercising regularly can influence and enhance your hippocampus, the area of your brain that has to do with memory and your ability to learn.
Working out helps us build intelligence and strengthens memory, but it boosts our brainpower in other ways. According to research, aerobic exercise creates new brain cells and improves brain performance, preventing memory loss and cognitive decline. Exercising also enhances mental energy and creativity, so try going for a jog or long walk next time you feel stuck.
Increased Energy
Exercising has many more benefits, including reducing anxiety and increasing your energy. Just remember that the endorphins that your brain releases can significantly improve your life in all areas. When we workout, we increase our blood flow, which in turn carries nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and helps you feel more alert and energized.
Working out is scientifically proven to boost your mood, decreasing feelings of anxiety and depression. Kicking up your endorphin levels is incredibly beneficial for our overall emotional and mental health. You don’t need more than moderate levels of exercise. Just 20 minutes per day can significantly improve your life. Here are some ideas for winter workouts!
