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Benefit of Exercise for Mental Health


Benefits of exercise for mental health, Benefit of Exercise for Mental Health, Workout, gyming, mental health, tips for stress relief, stress buster
Man at gym (Credit: Hindustan Times)

Many organs, systems are assembled together to make a human body. Human body is like a complicated machine which can function well when fueled with nutrition and serviced with physical activity. Whether it's human babies or animal’s from the very beginning it moves its limbs, and parts. In schools we had a special period for physical training. Because along with healthy food, water, it is important to do exercise to stay physically healthy. Exercise is not just physical movements, it includes physical movements with awareness and keeping your breath in the right rhythm. A healthy being is fit physically and mentally. In today’s time facing competition for survival is a challenge that has affected all age groups and ethnicity world wide. Managing the mind is the most important matter as the mind is the place from which the whole body is  managed. Did you know that exercise can also help keep you mentally healthy too? In this article we will talk about the impact of conscious workout on mental health.

 

Many studies have shown that people who do some kind of exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional well-being, and lower rates of mental illness. There are many studies, research and real experiences about the powerful impact of yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing excercise) , and meditation on  both physical and mental well-being.


Mental Illness


Taking up exercise seems to reduce the risk of developing mental illness. It also seems to help in treating some mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. For example, for mild-moderate depression, research suggests physical activity can be an effective and healthy alternative than antidepressants or psychological treatments. Exercise can also be a valuable addition to other treatment options like in cognitive therapy.


One more aspect is the gut-brain axis. Gut is known as the second brain. A healthy gut is the way to a healthy mind. To keep the gut flora balanced you need enough good bacteria in the intestine and you get them from probiotics. Fermented food like yogurt, homemade pickles and supplements like Wonderpro super probiotic adds essential bacteria to the gut flora.


But the question is how exercise makes us feel better, mentally?


People who are struggling for emotional reasons can start doing some kind of exercise on a daily basis to improve their mood, focus, and alertness. It may even assist in improving our perspective on life. When you stay physically active and mentally occupied with productive things, your chances of developing anxiety or depression are reduced.

 

The link between exercise and mental health is critical. Inactivity can be both a cause and a consequence of mental illness, for example sitting ideal scrolling social media can eat up your brain, soon you feel for no reason you are irritated and dull. Hence staying active throughout the day by a routine workout schedule, engaging in some creative work can add value to your life and mental health too.  


Exercise has numerous benefits for mental health, including:


  • Changes in brain chemistry related to exercise, including happy hormones like serotonin, stress hormones, and endorphins.

  • Frequent exercise can improve your quality of sleep. Also, getting enough sleep aids with mood regulation.

  • Your self-esteem, coping skills, and sense of control can all be enhanced by exercise. Regular exercisers frequently talk about how great it feels to accomplish a goal.

  • Exercise offers the opportunity to try new things and might divert your attention from unpleasant thoughts.

  • If you workout with others, it provides a chance to interact with people and receive social support.

  • Your energy levels rise as you exercise.

  • Exercising might help you release your frustrations.

  • Exercise can reduce skeletal muscle tension, which helps you feel more relaxed.

The benefits of exercise for people with mental illness are also important. This improves heart health and overall physical well-being. This is important because people with mental health problems are more likely to suffer from physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and asthma. Exercise doesn't have to be hard or slow. Research shows that low- to moderate-intensity exercise is enough to produce changes in your mood and thoughts.


However, any exercise is better than none. Going for a leisurely walk, or activities like stretching and yoga, can also have huge benefits on your mind and body. Even doing housework like sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming can give you a mild workout. It can be intimidating to start exercising if you haven’t done it in a while, but a plan can help you start and stick with it.


For even greater benefits, try exercising outdoors. Some recent studies have found people report a higher level of vitality, enthusiasm, pleasure and self-esteem, and a lower level of tension, depression and fatigue, after they have walked outside. People who exercise outside also say they are more likely to exercise again than those who stay indoors. And, people who exercise outside do it more often, and for longer, than those who work out indoors.


Whether you are feeling depressed or not, make exercise part of your everyday activity for healthy mental health. Your workout schedule may include yoga, cardio, stretching, swimming, walking, or cycling. Get active around the house by doing some gardening, washing the car, or cleaning the windows.




 

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