Sophia Smith shares how working out could boost your mental strength and why you need to get started right away.
Sometimes, you just can’t “get out more and try to exercise”. It’s not that simple. If people knew the amount of stress, general fatigue, and overwhelming lack of motivation that affects a person struggling with mental illness, they would never try to issue such unsolicited advice in the first place.
But exercise does help. It has been shown time and time again that physical exercise brings health to the mind, body, and soul. So, how does a burdened mind instill such a positive habit with dedication and zeal? Let’s take a look at the amazing health benefits of exercise that just might nudge you in the right direction.
Alleviates anxiety and symptoms of depression
There are many different factors that go into diagnosing anxiety, some of which are deeply related to daily stress and burnout in both your professional and private life. No matter the reasons behind these feelings, there are certain positive habits that can help you battle anxiety effectively and lead a proactive lifestyle.
One of the most effective remedies you can try is exercising, as research has shown that just 20 minutes of aerobic training a day can help you calm down and subdue the effects of the disorder. The same goes for anaerobic exercise, so don’t be afraid to hit the weight room once in a while to reap these benefits.
Helps reduce stress
Oftentimes, stress and anxiety are put in the same bread basket, but even though there is a difference between the two, the same remedies can have beneficial effects. Physical exercise has been shown to be an amazing relaxant through anecdotal testimonies and research for decades now, and the best part is that the positive effect is not short-lasting.
In fact, if you make frequent exercise a weekly habit, you can expect to experience a cumulative effect over time, leading to a more positive, healthy lifestyle. Not only is training a great way to reduce stress on a daily basis, but studies have also shown that regular exercise can influence the brain’s response to stressful triggers and events. This means that you can become more resilient to stress if you just stick to a couple of energetic workouts a week.
Boosts overall happiness and zeal
There is no denying it, when you exercise, you feel energized, focused, and the troubles of the outside world just seem to dissipate into the unknown. But it’s not just about working out, it’s also about working out properly and ensuring you are wearing the right gear to keep you safe and help you maximize every set.
Music, clothes, your surroundings, all of this can have a profound impact on the quality of your workout, so some of the most important things are to wear proper footwear such as Adidas sneakers for stability and control, to listen to empowering music, and to keep your eyes on the proverbial prize. Remember, in order for your body to produce the “happy hormones” (endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin), you not only need to work out frequently, but you also need to work out properly.
Boosts your self-confidence
Self-esteem is a major issue nowadays, especially among the younger generations battling with social anxiety and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy. This prevailing problem in modern society should not be taken lightly, and if you don’t do something about it early on, it might take a drastic toll on your emotional and psychological well-being.
By challenging your body to become healthier, thinner, and stronger, you can effectively change your perception of the person in the mirror, and increase your self-worth over time. Remember, true self-love might come from within, but physical appearance plays a major role in shaping your inner identity and personality, so don’t neglect it.
Battles memory loss
Finally, it’s important to note just how physical exercise may help people struggling with memory loss or other brain-degenerative illnesses. Studies have shown time and time again that physical exercise, especially between age 25 and 45, can help prevent cognitive decline later in life, and alleviate the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. While exercise cannot cure mental illness, it can certainly help an individual lead a healthier, proactive lifestyle and retain their cognitive prowess as much as possible.
Not all people were born to love the gym, but the good thing is that you don’t need to pump iron to get the amazing health benefits of regular exercise. No matter if you love working out or if you’ve never done it before, it would be a wise and prudent idea to make this healthy habit an inextricable part of your lifestyle in order to battle mental illness and pave the road to a lifetime of health and happiness.
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