Exercise is not just for building muscle or burning fat to lose weight, but is also a great tool to help improve your mental health as well as emotional resilience. The endorphins released naturally work to boost your mood and lift you up when you’re feeling down. If you are feeling sad or lonely, try going for a long walk or taking a pilates class. There are so many different forms of movement to get you up and going. You will be able to think more clearly and refocus on your tasks. There are so many benefits to working out, including better sleep, improved memory, becoming more confident, and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Let’s take a look!
Working Out vs. Screen Time
Working out doesn’t just improve your body, but it also improves how your mind functions. Physical activity activates your endorphins, which are the “feel-good” transmitters. It also leads to an increase in the chemical called beta-endorphin, which healthily lowers feelings of pain and increases feelings of happiness. When you’re scrolling on Instagram reels or watching TikTok, your brain releases those same chemicals, but it actually has the opposite impact of working out. These short bursts of endorphins can become addictive, but leave you feeling more sad and lonely. Working out allows for positive interactions with other like-minded people and reduces some effects of aging.
Improved Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential if you are working to improve your mental health. Not enough rest will negatively impact your ability to concentrate, make decisions, and make you more prone to mood swings. Exercise will allow you to get better quality sleep and help you build better patterns. This is because working out helps make sure your circadian rhythms (your body’s built-in clocks) are in balance.
Professional Help
If you are considering joining a gym, getting a professional trainer to help guide you along on this journey would be beneficial. They can provide you with helpful tips so you can reach your goals without getting injured, and also provide you with meal plans to keep up with your new lifestyle. On the flip side, if you are struggling with mental health or addictions, do not be afraid to ask for help. No matter where you are on your journey, there is someone who wants to help you. If it’s mental hospitals in Charleston, rehabs in San Antonio, or therapists near Denver, someone is there for you. Taking the next step towards working on yourself is not easy, but you shouldn’t let the fear of the unknown stop you.
Gaining Confidence
Being consistent with your habits and moving every day can lead to an increase in confidence. You’ll feel stronger and have more energy with less stress, and you should be proud of yourself! If you set goals, no matter how small, you will get a sense of accomplishment and positively impact your self-perception. Wearing something you feel good in will help you feel more confident, and even though some results may take time to see, it is important to talk to yourself kindly and with respect.
Memory and Concentration
One last side effect from staying fit and active is an increase in what you are able to retain and focus on. Movement stimulates and promotes the growth of new brain cells in the part of your brain called the hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning. Working out helps you stay sharp and on top of the game.
Any form of movement is good for your body and brain, so there’s no reason for excuses. You could go for a two-hour walk, play a 30-minute game of pickup basketball, or do a five-minute yoga video, but just make the time to do something for yourself.
While doing these things, you may find yourself forgetting what you were stressing about in the first place and start to relax. Make sure to eat well and keep yourself hydrated to avoid fatigue and stay feeling the best you can as you embark on this journey. Be kind to yourself and stick with it until it becomes a habit. Don’t make it a chore, but make it your lifestyle. Stay motivated by setting goals for yourself, and enjoy not only feeling better physically, but also mentally!
