It is clear that regular exercise can have a hugely positive impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. Exercise helps to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and reduce anxiety.
Benefits of exercise for mental health are well documented. In my line of work, it is almost a given that motivation is the key to getting results, the benefits of exercise for mental health can not be understated. To be and stay motivated we need to be in the right frame of mind. Frame of mind. We need to maintain a healthy frame of mind and the flow on effect is huge. Our mental health is effected by exercise as well.
Exercise is essential for physical health and wellbeing, but it can also have a hugely positive impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. While we often think of exercise as a way to stay physically fit and healthy, the science behind exercise and its effects on the brain are just as compelling. Research has consistently shown that regular exercise can have a major positive impact on mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
The science behind exercise and its effects on the brain is complex, but the basics are simple. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which are natural “feel-good” hormones that act as a sort of natural antidepressant. Endorphins act as a reward system, and the more we exercise, the more endorphins we produce. In addition, exercise increases the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important for regulating mood and emotions. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress levels, as it helps us to focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about our problems.
So how can exercise help with common mental health issues such as stress and anxiety? Regular exercise can help to reduce stress levels by giving us a chance to focus on something else besides our worries. Exercise can also help to improve our mood by increasing our endorphin levels, which helps us to feel more relaxed and positive. Exercise can also help to reduce anxiety by giving us a sense of control over our environment and our thoughts, as well as a sense of accomplishment when we reach our goals.
If you’re just starting an exercise program, it’s important to take it slow and build up your fitness gradually. Start with simple activities such as walking, jogging, or light weight training, and gradually increase the intensity as you become more fit. It’s also important to find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. Setting realistic goals is also important; if your goal is too ambitious, you’re more likely to give up.
There are a few potential risks and drawbacks of starting an exercise program. One of the most common is the risk of injury, especially if you don’t warm up properly or follow proper form. It’s also important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. Finally, it can be difficult to stick to an exercise program when life gets busy; this is why it’s important to find activities that fit into your lifestyle.
However, there are some simple tips that can help you to stick to an exercise program and get the most out of it. First, set realistic goals and remember that progress takes time. Second, find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. Finally, make exercise part of your routine; for example, try to incorporate it into your daily or weekly schedule.
In conclusion, it is clear that regular exercise can have a hugely positive impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. Exercise helps to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and reduce anxiety. It can also help to give us a sense of control over our environment and our thoughts. Finally, it can be a great way to manage our time and to fit physical activity into our lives. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle, and to set realistic goals that you can actually reach. With the right approach, exercise can be an invaluable tool for managing mental health issues and improving overall wellbeing.
If you would like any help constructing an exercise program I would love to help. Use the contact modes below to reach out and get started with a personalized program that can be conducted via zoom or email, Whatsapp etc