Exercise is good for you, and the benefits of physical fitness are well-known. From strengthening your body, reducing the risk of disease, and managing weight, there are plenty of reasons to incorporate exercise into your routine. Exercise is also good for your mental health. Find out how exercise helps mental health and why you should strive to get steps in or hit the gym regularly.
Coping With Mental Health Challenges
Life is often stressful, even when things are going well. Managing responsibilities can be challenging, and dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, recovery, and other health issues, in addition, adds even more stress. Learning how to cope with stressors and triggers and finding a treatment plan that works for you is vital. A well-balanced or comprehensive approach to mental health care extends to all aspects of your life.
Caring for Your Body and Mental Health
Exercise comes in many forms, but the benefits are often the same. Working muscles burns calories, which can prevent illness and disease. Exercise can also improve cognitive ability, sleep quality, and stress reduction.
Depression
Research shows that routine exercise can reduce depression. Maintaining an exercise routine also reduces the risk of relapse. Physical activity also causes your body to release endorphins, hormones that make you feel good and energized.
Exercise is also a distraction. When you focus on completing reps or laps or holding a yoga pose, you’re not letting depressive thoughts take over. Physical activity can help break a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings.
Anxiety
Exercise reduces inflammation and physical pain or discomfort in the long term, which makes you feel good. People struggling with anxiety often experience muscle tension, and physical activity is a great way to lessen tight muscles. Releasing physical stress aids in releasing mental stress. Much as endorphins help with feelings of depression, these chemicals also relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
ADHD
Physical activity is a great way to put the excessive or fidgety energy that is often a symptom of ADHD to use in a constructive way. Exercise also releases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which increase the ability to focus and help with concentration and memory. People often report feeling more mentally sharp after exercising.
Trauma
Exercise helps people process trauma. Physical movement relieves stress in the mind and body while reducing adrenaline. People who have experienced trauma relive the event or events and can get into a fight-or-flight mindset. High adrenaline levels can put a lot of stress on your nervous system, but exercise can help regulate things. Adding endorphins and other natural hormones creates feelings of peace and even happiness.
Establish Goals
You can achieve the benefits of exercise without a big commitment. Completing a triathlon or losing a significant amount of weight are goals that require a specific plan and dedication, and following through on goals is an accomplishment that should be commended. If you want to feel better about yourself and stay in a healthy headspace, make it a habit to go for a walk, run on a treadmill, do yoga, or lift weights. Fitting in an hour of exercise daily is excellent, but 15 minutes of movement is also beneficial.
Exercise and Mental Health
Exercise is helpful in various ways and can be an essential part of a mental health treatment plan. Physical activity, therapy, and other treatment techniques will complement one another and make a difference in your overall well-being. Incorporating exercise into your routine can help you manage stress and mental health conditions while preventing relapse.
At Comprehensive Wellness Centers, we believe in a comprehensive approach to care, and we want to help you get better and feel your best. Exercise is one aspect of care, and we can help you with a custom plan to get you on a path to recovery. Learn more about our admissions process and reach out if you have questions or are ready to get started.
