Thousands of people head to the gym every day to get stronger, healthier, and let’s be honest skinnier. Do you know that exercise can be just as beneficial to your mental well-being as to your body? Regardless of age or fitness level, studies have shown that making time for exercise provides serious mental benefits. Start hitting the gym and become happier with these 6 different mental health benefits!
1. Reduce Stress.
Have a rough day? Take a stroll around the neighborhood or head to the gym for an hour. One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is relieving stress. Exercise increases concentrations of norepinephrines, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. So go get healthy, while reducing stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tensions!
2. Happy Power
Exercise releases chemicals known as endorphins, which create a happiness feeling throughout the body. Studies have shown that working out can alleviate sadness, depression, and even anger! For this reason many doctors prescribe exercise or physical activity for those dealing with anxiety or depression. Gym rat or not, getting your happy on for working out just 30 minutes a few times a week can instantly boost your mood.
3. Improve Self-Confidence
Head to the gym and look like a million bucks. Regardless of weight, size, gender, or age, exercise can quickly boost your self-confidence and make yourself feel more attractive. By exercise, it can also inspire others which can help boost self worth.
4. Alleviate Anxiety
There are millions of different ways to alleviate anxiety but exercise may be the best! The chemicals released during a nice jog can help people with anxiety disorders calm down. Any moderate exercise is believed to bring down these levels. Relax and burn some of those extra calories!
5. Boost Brainpower
Sometimes studying can only take you so far. A recent study has suggested that mice and men have shown that cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells and improve overall brain functions. The study suggests tough workouts increase levels of a brain derived protein in the body which is believed to help decision making, memory, and learning.
6. Relaxation
Do you ever sleep much better after a long run? For most people, moderate exercise can be the equivalent of a sleeping pill, even with people dealing with insomnia. According to research, “moving around five to six hours before bedtime raises the body’s core temperature.” When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it signals the body that it’s time to sleep.