08 Feb, 2022
We all know that taking regular exercise has many benefits from increasing your energy to lowering blood pressure. However, regular exercise also has psychological benefits too. Getting active can help with all kinds of things from easing symptoms of anxiety and depression to keeping your memory sharp and raising your confidence and self-esteem.
So, if you’re looking for something to help improve your mental health this year, keep in mind these benefits.
Exercise is a great mood booster and can decrease symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Why? It’s because it increases the levels of endorphins in our body. These are the feelgood chemicals that produce feelings of happiness. By committing to regular exercise throughout the week, it will help to keep your mood on an even keel.
Most of us complain about feeling stressed at some point. Exercise can help to lower your stress levels. When we exercise, our heart rate increases and this stimulates the production of neurohormones which will improve your thinking, cognition, and mood and, in turn, reduce your negative responses to stressful events.
Depending on the type of exercise you do, it can improve your endurance, your strength, your speed, your flexibility, and your muscle tone. It can also help you to lose or regulate your weight and you’ll probably feel and look a whole lot better. All these benefits are great for upping your self-confidence and self-esteem. Imagine the feeling that comes with knowing that you’re in the best shape of your life or that you’ve just smashed a workout or achieved a personal best!
And isn’t that something we’d all like? Being physically tired will help us to sleep better and better sleep means that you’re more able to cope with the mental challenges that will come your way. There are several reasons why exercise can lead to improved sleep. Firstly, exercise helps to regulate your internal body clock. The body temperature drop after a moderately intense workout may also facilitate sleepiness – ideal if you’re someone who struggles to nod off. However, make sure you get the timing right, where finishing up at least 90 minutes before bedtime will allow you to reap the benefits of exercise on sleep.
Exercise can give your brain a boost in several ways. It’s thought that cardiovascular exercise creates new brain cells and improves overall brain performance. It strengthens the hippocampus which may prevent cognitive decline and memory loss. Taking part in regular physical activity will also boost your mental energy and boost creativity. Many of us experience a much clearer mind after a walk or run.
One way to ensure that you get the most out of your exercise program is to sign up for a personalized program with myDNA. You’ll get all the information you need to turn your DNA insights into an exercise and nutrition plan that will guide you in the areas of your health and wellbeing that are most important to you.