The Mental Benefits of Physical Exercise
Exercise is great for our body: most of us are already aware of that. It can help you burn calories, build muscle, and make you more flexible, which allows us to do certain tasks easier, while also giving us additional energy to give us a boost throughout our day.
However, did you know that exercise isn’t just great for our physical health, but also for our mental wellbeing. It’s true, as there are almost as many amazing benefits exercise can have on our mental health; for example, aiding us in how we cope with life, as well as improving our brain function and problem-solving skills. Here are some of the mental benefits of physical exercise that has on our minds.
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It Releases Endorphins
When we exercise and increase our heart rate, our body releases chemicals known as endorphins. These endorphins have a profound effect on us due to how they interact with receptors in our brain to reduce the perception of pain.
This chemical also triggers a positive feeling in the body that’s actually not dissimilar to the sensation of morphine, which can make us feel a lot happier and boost our general mood. It’s because of this that a lot of doctors prescribe exercise for those who are suffering from depression and anxiety.
It Makes You Sleep Better
Exercise can tire people out, making it easier for people to get to sleep as they have dispelled all their stored energy. Getting a good night’s sleep can be greatly beneficial for the mind, as it can improve our memory. Sleep is also good for the body as it helps our immune system repair and recharge, making us able to better fight off infections and viruses.
It Helps us Cope with Grief
Exercise can help people deal with a loss of a significant other, and aid in the grieving process, therefore making the situation more manageable. This is partly due to the endorphins that are released, as they help instil a positive outlook on life; but the concentration and discipline required for some exercise is also a good way to focus your mind and distract your thinking, which provides clarity.
Running is a great form of exercise to deal with grief as it allows you to take stock of your feelings and is a great way to clear your head. If you’ve recently suffered the loss of a loved one, holding a funeral with Exit Here is also a good way to deal with grief, as it provides a welcoming sense of closure.
It’s a Brilliant Stress Reliever
When we’re feeling stressed, we’re not only suffering mentally but also physically. Our body is more tense, leading to more headaches and back pain that can be seriously uncomfortable. Bad stress can also lead to a tightness in the chest, muscle cramps, and a pounding pulse. Thankfully, exercise is able to help with this.
As long as you stretch before and after exercise, any form of activity can help relax the muscles and relieve the tension in the body. Swimming is great for this, as it’s a low impact sport on the joints, but yoga is also beneficial due to the link between stretching and breathing, which can be used to relax your pounding heart as well.