Recently, there has been a rise in the openness around mental health challenges that are commonplace for many. There has also been a drive to provide a range of information and advice to support those with mental health challenges. This article looks at how exercise has been proven to help your mental health positively and can provide an acceptable means to improve mood and deal with various mental health challenges.
Equipment to Use
It is clear that your mental health will benefit from some form of exercise. However, it is only responsible for providing a few tips to get some exercise going. The easiest forms of exercise to consider as a start are those using your own body weight, some simple dumbbells, a cardio program, or a compact home gym setup such as those at mirafit.co.uk, which have a myriad of suitable start-up gym examples. These are the simplest ways to start your exercise regime and positively affect your mental health.
Better physical health equals better mental/brain health
The brain is part of a holistic body, and the healthier your body is in general, it follows that your brain will also be in better physical condition. Hydration which is an integral part of any exercise regime, provides a great example in this regard. The brain is also a muscle; any physical activity you engage in will improve the blood and oxygen flow through the entire body and improve the overall brain function from a physical point of view.
Exercise produces endorphins that make you feel happier
When you exercise, the brain produces endorphins which, while these serve to reduce pain perception, will also make you feel happier and more enthusiastic about life in general. It is the runner’s high, or the euphoria that allows the weightlifter to lift heavier every session.
Improves your confidence
No matter your body image and what the goals are for your exercise regime, the fact that you are doing work on the self is a definite way to improve your confidence. Any forms of exercise are thus a great way to feel good about yourself and thus improve your mental health.
You’re likely to sleep better after exercise
A regular exercise regime is advised as one of the best ways to combat poor sleep habits and a lack of sleep. If your exercise properly, then the fact of the matter is that you’re probably going to have a good night’s sleep. And we all know that a good night’s sleep regularly is one of the best ways to combat stress and poor mental health.
Exercise and your mental health are integrally related and linked; as such, you must make an effort to include exercise in your routine. Make it part of your life, even before you have any mental health challenges, and it will go a long way to improving your overall holistic health and well-being.
