The Surprising Mental Benefits of Exercise You Never Knew About
Exercise is usually associated with physical health benefits like weight loss, better heart health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and stroke. However, many people overlook the significant and often surprising mental benefits of exercise. Here are some exciting mental benefits of exercise that you probably never knew about:
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Exercise is a natural stress-reliever that helps reduce anxiety and depression by stimulating the production of endorphins – the feel-good hormone. Endorphins interact with the brain’s receptors, reducing pain perception, triggering a positive and relaxed feeling throughout the body. Studies show that even a 10-minute walk can elevate your mood, alleviate tension, and improve self-esteem.
2. Boosts Brainpower
Exercise is a natural cognitive enhancer, increasing the brain’s neuroplasticity that leads to improved memory, focus, and creativity. A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity shows that only 30 minutes of moderate exercise increases brain function in older adults. Another study conducted at the University of British Columbia found that regular aerobic exercise can boost the size of the hippocampus – the brain region responsible for memory and learning.
3. Aids in Addiction Recovery
Exercise has been found to be a helpful tool in supporting substance addiction recovery. Exercise can counteract the effects of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cravings, improve neurological functioning, and restore a healthy reward system. Adopting an exercise routine can provide a healthy outlet for stress and negative emotions and maintain sobriety for those seeking to abstain from using substances.
4. Improves Sleep Quality
Exercise can also aid in improving the quality of sleep. As little as 30-minutes of moderate exercise can stimulate the body’s circadian rhythm, improve the quality of deep sleep, reduce sleep onset time, and deter waking up at night. A study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who exercise regularly report sleeping better and feeling more alert during the day.
5. Promotes Emotional Resilience
Exercise helps build emotional resilience by developing a growth mindset, enabling you to bounce back from setbacks. Studies have shown that regular exercise decreases the perceived stress level due to adaptation that occurs with regular workouts, improving your ability to deal with stress. Exercising regularly, regardless of the circumstances, can boost your mood, build emotional strength, and improve overall well-being.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, regular exercise is not only important for physical fitness but also for improving mental health. The surprising mental benefits of exercise include reducing stress, anxiety, boosting brain power, aiding in addiction recovery, improving sleep quality, and promoting emotional resilience. Building an exercise routine into your lifestyle can help you achieve a healthy body and mind. So, start today, get exercising, and enjoy the surprising mental benefits that come with it.
