At some point in your life, you might have heard the phrase, “A sound body has a sound mind.” Well, it’s not just some sort of ancient wisdom; it’s proven science. You already know exercising is great for your body. When you exercise, your body feels energetic and relaxed. If you exercise regularly, you become physically stronger, and your immunity level increases as well.
However, did you know exercising also boosts your mood? It helps you sleep better, allows you to relax, assists you to stay happy — and much more. Interested in reading more about it? Bear with me till the end, and you’ll find out everything. Let’s dive in.
Your muscles may get tired, but your brain relaxes
Ask any fitness freak what she feels after a workout. She’ll say that even though her body, specifically her muscles, is tired, she feels relaxed and happy. As someone who has been working out for more than two years, I can confirm the same. Although it sounds like it’s all in the mind, it’s actually medical. Exercising and working out release hormones and neuro signals that make you feel happy and relaxed. You might have heard the word “endorphins” — they’re one of the chemicals released during a workout. They make you feel a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Exercising is your defense mechanism against depression
No, I don’t mean exercise is a cure for depression. But indeed, it is a contributing factor. According to studies, even the lightest exercise sessions can produce a positive alteration in your brain chemicals. And as your brain’s health is directly tied to depression and anxiety, you automatically feel better after exercising.
If you ever feel you’re continuously anxious or stressed, or you get angrier than you’d like to be, consider exercising daily. Thirty minutes of exercise per day is enough to boost your mood and control emotions like anger and stress. If you don’t feel like joining a gym, you can get some equipment and build yourself a home gym.
The best exercise is the one you enjoy
Many people start working out at some point in their lives, but only a few can retain their motivation and keep exercising over the long term. Trust me – you want to be one of those few. It’s easier to stick to an exercise routine if you love and enjoy doing it. Try out your options. Go running, take swimming classes, work out in your home gym — see what you like and don’t. If you’re bored and want something adventurous, consider planning a hike to the nearest mountain with your pals.
Mindfulness and meditation aren’t a waste of time
Many realistically-minded people believe that meditation and mindfulness are a waste of time — but science says otherwise. Practicing them helps you improve your mood and focus on the happier side of life. If you’re stressed due to the tight project deadline you believe you can’t handle, or your boss is pushing you a bit too much, or you’re tired of your unbalanced relationship — try out meditation and mindfulness. They won’t bite. You have my word.
Stick to your plans
When you decide to exercise regularly, exercise regularly. You just can’t craft a workout routine and ditch it after a month — that’s not how it works. Make a workout plan for yourself, and then stick to it for a long time. Don’t think of exercise as a “side-job” because it’s not.
A word of advice
Feeling low, stressed out, depressed? Can’t sleep? You can exercise it all away. Here’s a word of advice from me — exercising isn’t a standard “therapy” to fight depression or instantly change your mood, but it contributes positivity to your overall mood. Leverage it to the fullest. Setting aside 30 to 45 minutes of your day for exercise isn’t a bad deal, in my opinion, especially considering all the benefits and perks you get with it.
About the Author: Olivia Patterson is an experienced therapist. In her free time, she likes to read, write, and take care of her well-being just like she does for her patients. She believes mental and physical health are closely related. That’s why she advises everyone to have their gym equipment to take care of their body to maintain a healthy mind as well.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
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Great post! Physical exercise not only maintains your body strong and active but also aids in the treatment of depression. It helps to alleviate feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, pain, and loneliness.