Daily exercise and working out can be as effective for your mental as “must-read books for inspiration.” It is also a tried and tested method of overcoming depression, an excellent alternative to antidepressants or psychological treatment. Exercise also presents several benefits and an alternative treatment, such as:
How Exercise Can Improve Mind-Body Connection
Inactivity has been shown to cause several mental illnesses, such as a depressed mood and mood changes. Not only can exercise help you overcome serious issues, but it also provides several benefits, such as;
- Exercise raises levels of key chemicals in the brain, including endorphins, stress hormones, and serotonin.
- Frequent exercise can improve your quality of sleep, which in turn helps you control your emotions.
- Your self-esteem, coping skills, and sense of control can all be enhanced by exercise. Regular exercisers frequently talk about how satisfying it is to reach a goal.
- Exercise can help you try new things and divert your attention from negative thoughts.
- Exercise with others provides a chance to interact with others and receive social support.
- Your energy levels rise when you exercise.
- Frustrations can be released through physical activity.
- You can feel more relaxed by exercising to release tension in your skeletal muscles.
Build Resilience Through Exercising
If you are not already knee-deep in exercise, you might be wondering how much you will have to do to make it count. When speaking of exercise, it’s important to separate weight or strength training from basic cardio and yoga. Low—or moderate-intensity workouts can be good enough for your body and mood to be active and turning.
For adult, its is recommended to aim for 2 to 5 hours of moderate physical activity per week–-and 1 to 2 hours of vigorous physical activity per week.
Moderate Physical Activities
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Yoga or Pilates
- Mowing the lawn
- Gardening
Vigorous Physical Activities
- Running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Aerobic dancing
- Hiking
- Jumping rope
- Heavy weightlifting
The First Steps Are Always The Hardest
When starting on your journey to fitness, keep in mind to take it slow and properly. Each step counts, whether you are going for a swim or jog, and expecting improvement to happen overnight is wishful thinking. Here is how to take the right first steps;
- Consult your exercise physiologist before you start, and regularly as you continue your exercise plan.
- Choose an activity you like or have enjoyed in the past that suits your fitness levels and abilities.
- Build up your activity gradually. Ideally, vary your activities so you don’t get bored.
- Write your plan in your diary or on your calendar so it’s part of your schedule.
- Regularly revisit your exercise plans, and try something different if it’s not working out for you.
Become More Active With Every Passing Day
Include physical activity in your daily routine if you get it. Instead of driving, try going for a walk or a bike ride. Walk the remaining distance after getting off a tram, train, or bus a stop early, or walk your children to school. Clean the windows, pick out a must read books for inspiration, or do some gardening to get moving around the house. Remember, its important to always keep moving and being active.
