Regular exercise isn’t just good for your body. It can do wonders for your mind. Physical activity can help you feel better and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It’s also great for alertness and stress relief. All kinds of movement can help, but there are the kings of the best exercises for mental health.
For more mental health tips, see how to: improve mood without treatment and how to change your diet Benefit Your Mental Health.
Why should I exercise for mental health?
Exercise makes you feel better about yourself.When I say exercise, I don’t just mean going to the gym and ironing. move youYou don’t have to leave your home to boost your mental health with physical activity.
Benefits of exercise for your mental health:
No one type of exercise is good for your mental health. This means you have the flexibility to find what works for your life. There are no standards to meet. Any amount of movement counts. However, researchers note that more exercise increases the payoff.
Exercise for mental health
walking
for many people walking is their go-to mental health exercise. He’s one of my favorites because it’s relatively low impact and you can do it anywhere. Walking can help relieve stress, relieve anxiety symptoms, and promote positive thinking. If you want the best results, walk outside and soak in the greenery. A walk in nature has been found to reduce anxiety.
It doesn’t have to be a long walk. Studies show that just 15 minutes of walking reduces the risk of depression by 26%.
running
If you’re looking for more intense exercise for your mental health, try running. Our brains are flooded with endorphins that make us feel good when we’re running. It’s called “runner’s high”. Studies have shown that exercising outdoors is an effective alternative to antidepressants.
Consistent running can help you fall asleep easier and sleep better. anxiety When symptoms of depression.
read more: 5 great running apps to help you reach your fitness goals
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strength training
If you want the added benefits of building muscle while healing your mental health, try strength training. relieve existing symptomsIt also gives you the satisfaction you get from hitting your strength goals.
Strength training doesn’t have to mean going to the gym and lifting weights.You can easily strengthen your muscles at home free weights, resistance band When your weight.
yoga
Yoga is not only about moving the body, reflect and meditateThat’s why we think it’s one of the best exercises you can do to improve your mental health. can be relieved by breathing Bad mental health habits such as loop thinking and negative thinking. Controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and puts you in a relaxed state. This is done by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
The parasympathetic nervous system is the counterpart to the sympathetic nervous system that controls the body’s fight-or-flight response. Anxiety excites the sympathetic nervous system even when there is no danger. Yoga works on the parasympathetic nervous system to help restore homeostasis.
One Advantages of yoga is the breed. You can choose which type you want to do, from calm to more physically demanding.
dancing
Dancing is another exercise option that can significantly reduce anxiety. It can also boost your self-esteem. Similar to yoga, you can choose the type of dance you do. All dances have their merits. If you’re not a ballet dancer, try tango or free-flow moves.
You don’t have to go to a dance studio to reap the benefits. Take virtual dance classes from the comfort of your own home. However, if you crave social interaction, synchronized or choreographed group dances may yield the greatest results. There are benefits. They allow you to connect with others and build friendships.
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Practical Tips for Starting Exercise for Mental Health
Getting started is the hardest part. Here are some strategies for making exercise a regular part of your routine.
- Choose activities you enjoy: Don’t think you have to exercise. Instead, consider it another tool to use on your health journey.
- set realistic goals: Too much exercise can negatively affect your mental health. Especially if you set goals that you cannot reasonably achieve. Set small goals that you can build on as you grow. Remember that you have nothing to prove but yourself.
- Reward yourself: Rewarding yourself for completing a workout is a great idea to make it a habit. It doesn’t have to be big. It could be an extra episode of your favorite show or a bubble bath.
- make it social: For those who thrive on accountability, make exercise a social activity with friends.
Exercise is a great tool for managing everyday symptoms of mental health conditions. However, exercise is not intended to replace treatment or medication in people who are functionally dependent.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. If you have any questions about your medical condition or health purposes, be sure to consult a physician or other qualified Talk to your healthcare provider.
