Hi Friends of Oompf, its Agnes. Today I will be talking about how exercise improves stress and mental health. Stress is an inevitable part of life. It’s impossible to eliminate, but you can learn to manage stress and most people usually do. While there are a number of well-known coping techniques, exercise may be the one most recommended by health care professionals.
Besides the physical benefits of exercise that has been long established, exercise also helps to maintain mental fitness and helps alleviate stress.
Certain advantages of exercise
Reduces fatigue
When we exercise and our heart rate increases, our body releases endorphins, which are our body’s natural hormones. It is the release of these endorphins that contributes to the feeling of euphoria and make us feel more energized.
Enhance alertness and overall cognitive function
The same endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp for tasks at hand. Exercise also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline.
Improve mental health and mood
When faced with mental or emotional challenges in life, exercise can help you cope in a healthy way, instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors that ultimately only make your symptoms worse. Regular exercise can also help boost your immune system and reduce the impact of stress.
Improves sleep
Even short bursts of exercise in the morning or afternoon can help regulate your sleep patterns. If you prefer to exercise at night, relaxing exercises such as yoga or gentle stretching can help promote sleep.
Feel more positive about oneself
Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body, and soul. When it becomes habit, it can foster your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful. You’ll feel better about your appearance and, by meeting even small exercise goals, you’ll feel a sense of achievement.
Feel free to share with us how you have benefited from regular exercise or conversely, what keeps you from developing a regular exercise regime. Email us at [email protected]
