6 Ways Exercise Improves Mental Health

Did you know that a daily 15-minute run can lower your risk of depression by over 25%? Exercise is often prescribed by doctors to lower patients’ blood pressure, get them to a healthier weight and improve their state of mind.

However, you don’t have to wait for a doctor to tell you why exercise is good for you. Here are 6 ways that exercise improves mental health.

1. Lower Your Stress Levels

Physical exertion helps lower your stress levels by activating the hormones in your endocrine system. Balancing your hormones is a natural way to feel calm and positively cope with stress from daily life.

When you don’t exercise regularly then these hormones begin to over-exert themselves to keep your mood stable.

Over time, this can deplete your “happy hormones” like dopamine and lead you to poor coping mechanisms that end up making your stress levels even worse.

2. Reduced Brain Fog

Brain fog can occur if you are suffering from malabsorption. Malabsorption happens when food is not being properly digested in your body.

The microbiome in your intestines relies on a healthy amount of oxygen and movement to function properly.

Daily exercise can improve mental health by aiding the absorption of your food and eliminating the fatigue caused by brain fog.

3. Decrease Your Anxiety

Do you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks? If so, exercise may be the last thing you want to do in those uncomfortable moments.

That’s why taking a proactive approach to your mental health is key. Since exercise improves overall mental health, it’s a good idea to develop a routine to prevent anxiety flair-ups from happening.

4. Sleep Better at Night

Want a good night’s sleep? Work for it! That’s right. The key to achieving a deep sleep is training your body to need rest.

Being sedentary all day may be relaxing but it makes it difficult for your body to shut down when it’s time to go to sleep.

Suffer from insomnia? Relax your mind by exercising before bed. Working out your body in the evening can help tell your body that it is time to wind down and get some well-deserved rest.

5. Combat Your Addictions

If you suffer from addictions or would like to change some of your behaviors then exercise can help break the habitual cycle.

There are hundreds of ways to exercise and all of them improve mental health. Exercise can improve mental health and curb addictions by helping you focus on the moment.

Your brain naturally becomes more alert when your heart rate increases and your adrenaline starts pumping.

6. Increase Your Self Confidence

Is there something that you would like to change about your body or personality?

Prioritizing your mental health and exercise routine can help build your confidence to make any change that you need to in your life.

Internal motivation can be hard. Consider joining an exercise group or getting physical therapy to encourage you to reach your health goals.

Discipline Improves Mental Health

What improves mental health? Staying dedicated! Staying disciplined and educated is the best way to achieve the results you’re looking for.

Check out the rest of our blog to learn more about the latest lifestyle and health trends.