The most obvious reasons that people chose to exercise include wanting to improve their personal health and have a body they can be proud of. While these physical benefits are certainly worth working out for on their own, there are actually several mental benefits to be gained from regular exercise.
Improving both your physical and mental health is the perfect reason to star hitting the gym or going out for a run or cycle. It may seem tough at first, but those who manage to do it can reap the countless benefits gained.
Have a look and see for yourself just how your mental health can be improved through exercise!
Stress
Stress is the silent killer, as many people don’t realize just how much it can put on the mind, especially if it’s a regular occurrence. Any time you have to endure a stressful day, going for a jog or a workout can have you feeling better in no time at all.
Norepinephrine is a chemical compound in the brain that manages to help diminish the mind’s reaction to stress, and you guessed it; working out can increase norepinephrine levels in the body. This naturally can alleviate any overwhelming feelings of stress, and when combined with the physical benefits of a good workout you are getting double the benefits!
Happiness
When we exercise, the body gets a natural release of endorphins. These help the mind to feel naturally happier and even give the sense of euphoria and well-being. So while a grueling workout routine may seem like a drag that will make you feel anything but happy, the results will produce higher levels of happiness than when you started. Do you sometimes get to feeling down? Hit the gym or go for a run!
This is great for those suffering from mental illness such as depression, as a bout of thorough exercise can go a long way to improve the natural mood of the brain, reducing negative feelings with more positive ones. In fact, doctors recommend this too many patients suffering from depression. Exercise is known to improve happiness thanks to endorphins.
It doesn’t need to be a killer hour workout where you push yourself to the limit even a 30-minute bout of low-stress exercise can do the trick.
This benefits exercise has on the mind don’t stop there! Read on to find out more reasons as to why you should be working out to help your mind and body!