Itβs no secret that exercising regularly comes with the benefit of staying in shape. It builds muscles, improves endurance, and offers a chance to live a long and healthy life.
Ask any athlete, let alone that one person who indulges in any form of physical fitness, and they will say that exercise goes beyond just being strong, nimble, and flexible. It is also a powerful tool for them to improve their mental well-being.
Thereβs no point in arguing that scientific studies are constant in their claims that regular exercise can help reduce a personβs stress levels by improving the bodyβs ability to use oxygen and improve blood flow. It also decreases the bodyβs production of adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones), and increases the brainβs ability to distribute endorphins (feel-good hormones).
Call it βrunnerβs highβ or being βin the zone,β but it all boils down to the fact that endorphin levels up our feeling of happiness and at the same time, reduces pain. This is exactly the reason why a good 30 minutes of jogging, a game of tennis, or a few laps in the pool can instantly transform our mood from grumpy to jolly in no time.
The Mayo Clinic also described exercise as βmeditation in motion.β This is because during exercise, a person focuses on their form, body movements, and breathing, rather than sulking on their problems. Doing this regularly will significantly boost their self-confidence, aid in relaxation, and lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.
Regular exercise also improves sleep, the cornerstone of rest. By managing stress, a person can sleep better and wake up the next morning with renewed vigor to take on the dayβs challenges.
If done on a regular and controlled basis, exercise can offer a sense of accomplishment, especially if youβre hitting your personal bests. It can also be a gateway to socialize, make new friends who share a common goal, and a new outlook in life where health is not just about muscle, but a resilient mental well-being.
