Exercise your way to Good Mental Health.

         Exercise and Mental Health:

You already know how good exercise is for our physical health. But you might be surprised by how good exercise is for our mental health.Did you know that exercise can also help keep us mentally healthy?

People who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing, and lower rates of 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 depression, physical activity can be as effective as antidepressants or psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy.

Why does exercise make us feel better, mentally?

The link between exercise and mental health is complicated. Inactivity can be both a cause and a consequence of mental illness, And while we don’t know exactly why or how exercise boosts mood, here are some possible explanations:

•Regular exercise can help you sleep better. And good sleep helps you regulate your moods.

•Exercise can distract you from negative thoughts and provide opportunities to try new experiences.

•The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins, change when you exercise.

•Physical activity can be an outlet for your frustrations.

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

The physical benefits of exercise are also important for people with mental illness. It improves your cardiovascular health and overall physical health. This is important because people with mental health issues are at a higher risk of suffering from chronic physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and asthma.

Exercising for your mental health.

If regular exercise is not already a part of your routine, you might be wondering how much you need to do to give your mental health a boost.

•Find a Reason: you’re more likely to stick with a new behaviour if it’s linked to something you really value in life. Ask yourself, “why will exercise make my life better in a meaningful way?” It might be to help you overcome depression and get your life back on track, to gain more energy for your kids or to improve your general health for a longer life.

•Start small: Just add five per cent to what you’re currently doing. If you’re stuck on the couch, just walking in your street each day is a great start.

•Make a commitment to others: you’re less likely to option out if you have a friend or team relying on you to be there.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself if you haven’t exercised for a while. For many, this can trigger self-critical thoughts that lead to giving up the exercise routine entirely.

Treat each day as a fresh start, and remind yourself that it’s human to drop the ball occasionally.