Exercise Can Help Improve Mental Health!

Not only good for the body, amazing for the MIND!

Here are a few theories as to why exercise benefits mental health. The theories include:

an increase in better physical health...

With regular exercise you feel better, have more energy. You increase your stamina and have a healthier body and mind.

 increased serotonin and endorphin levels... 

The body releases serotonin ("happy" hormone, important to regulating moods, temper anxiety and also regulates body temperature and metabolism) and endorphins (natural proteins which cause a sense of well-being) after sustained physical activity.

 self esteem...

 a lack of self-esteem can cause depression. Regular exercise leads to a healthy body image. When you look good, you feel good!

 and positive social interaction... 

getting out of the house and interacting and socializing with others can help fight the feelings of loneliness and isolation. Being out in these positive, healthy social environments can also provide a positive distraction from life problems!

  Exercising doesn’t just mean going to the gym...There are lots of ways to be active! - AND they don’t need to cost much money. And if the thought of joining a new class or gym intimidates you ask a friend or family member to join with you! 

Aim to do 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week. It may sound like a lot, but it isn’t as daunting as it first appears...Build up slowly at a pace that suits you, you also don’t have to do a solid half hour either. Find three ten-minute slots each day if that better suits you – or two fifteen minute slots.

Here are some suggestions at what you can do for daily exercise:

On your lunch break take a brisk walk around your building or through a local park if available

Leave your car at home and walk to shorter destinations

Take your dog for a walk or jog

Get an exercise DVD to use at home. 

Take ten minutes and do a Yoga session at home or at a quiet location near the beach or park. This is great for de-stressing, and relaxing your heart, mind and body as well!

Go for a bike ride around town or around your lake shore.

Use the stairs instead of the elevator

If you are able to join your local gym, look into fun classes that they may offer such as belly dancing, Zumba workouts, or hot yoga! These classes are great for social interaction and offer great variety into your weekly exercise routine!

 Exercise has shown to be a valuable tool to enhance mood. While exercise is useful for both the body and the brain, it is not a cure for mental illness. Mental health conditions can be serious. If you are taking prescription medications to help with your mental illness, an increase in positive moods from exercise does not necessarily mean the discontinuation of prescription medication. Follow your medical doctors orders.

In the words of Hal and Joanne (Body Break) "Keep fit and have fun!" :)