6 Mental Benefits of Physical Exercise

Numerous studies and publications have acclaimed the effects of physical exercise on our physiological health. However, exercise provides more than a way to build up and shape our bodies and reduce weight. It can also improve our mental health and even increase brain activity, which boosts our neural functions. Here are six mental health benefits and solutions that physical exercise can provide us.

1. ADHD and PTSD Management

For Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), exercise can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Physical exercise impacts brain chemistry, specifically the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate mood and attention and are often deficient in people with ADHD. Exercise can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger ADHD symptoms.

For post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), exercise can help reduce flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. It can also help to decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Exercise helps to regulate stress hormones like cortisol, which can be out of balance in people with PTSD. Exercise may also help increase feel-good chemicals like serotonin and endorphins.

2. Better Cognitive Function and Memory

Exercise causes an increase in heart rate and blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients get delivered to the brain. This response is important for brain health, as it can help to protect brain cells from damage and promote the growth of new brain cells.

3. Improved Sleep Quality

If you regularly exercise, you’re likely to have more regular sleep patterns since exercise can help to regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythms. These rhythms rely on an internal biological clock that regulates when we feel sleepy and awake. When our circadian rhythms are uncoordinated, it can be harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

Not only can exercise help you fall asleep more easily, but it can also help you sleep more deeply. Deep sleep helps restore energy levels, aids muscle recovery, and helps the brain consolidate memories.

4. Reduced Stress

Exercise can be a form of distraction from stress. Rather than focus on the elements that cause you stress, you can dedicate your energy to physical fitness and well-being. Also, you can use it as an outlet to release pent-up energy or frustration. Because exercise reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, physical exercise is a powerful tool that can help to improve mood and reduce negative thoughts.

5. Higher Self-esteem, Positivity, and Confidence

Physical exercise leads to improved body image, which can increase self-esteem and confidence. Exercise can lead to weight loss or weight maintenance, which can improve body image. Also, exercising with others can provide social support and a sense of community, which are important for self-esteem.

Exercise can increase levels of endorphins, which can make you feel positive about yourself and increase your happiness. Furthermore, it can help increase a sense of accomplishment from physical fitness. Therefore, physical exercise can help people gain a positive outlook and increase their satisfaction with their achievements.

6. Increased Resilience

Physical exercise can boost your morale to struggle against issues that affect your life. Rather than resort to other abusive distractions like substance abuse, you can exercise to increase your mental resilience. Therefore, you can reduce the effect of depression that might weigh you down and decrease your tenacity against difficult situations in your life.

Physical exercise is a fulfilling and rewarding activity that you should adopt in your life. You can find communities or groups that encourage healthy living in your area and engage in exercises that stimulate your physical and mental fitness. Join us today at Raindrop Health, Wellness & Fitness to begin your fitness journey.