The Link Between Exercise and Mental Health
Posted on 28. Jul, 2011 by admin in Alfred Bergman Mental Health Tips, Healthy Living
The wide array of benefits associated with exercising has been well documented. Many of these are physical although it also helps with mood and overall health by reducing stress. Persistent exercising with personal training can lead to weight loss, a decrease in fat coupled with increased muscle mass resulting in a sleeker looking body that in turn helps you feel good about yourself. Exercising at least 3 times a week can help modify your appetite as well as encouraging you to integrate healthier habits into your diet as you witness the positive effects exercising has on your body. Furthermore, improved fitness has been shown to improve concentration, mental alertness and can help you sleep better.
Living in a culture that can be busy and stressful at times has led to much investigation into mental health and exercising has been shown to have a massive positive impact on our sense of well being. Experts maintain that physical exercise releases chemicals in your brain that help you deal with pain, stress and can lead to feelings of euphoria defining mental health factors. These endorphins are produced during prolonged and continuous workouts such as an intense cardio-vascular session with your personal trainer or a long run, but any form of exercise is beneficial. Exercise gives you time out from pressing concerns, providing you with time to think about things and breathing space from the demands of everyday life. The tension in your life which can mount up with daily pressures can be released resulting in less stress and reduced likelihood of feeling compelled to express anger or frustration.
Many people find it difficult to find the time or motivation to embark on an exercise routine which is why they often turn to personal trainers. Knowing that you have fought inertia and procrastination to do something that takes effort and dedication will give you a sense of achievement and improve your mental health. This can boost your confidence, help you to feel valued and raise your self-esteem. There is nothing like having a focus in life and building up the habit of exercising regularly provides you with a sense of purpose. Knowing that you are able to stick at something can infiltrate other aspects of your life in a positive way. If I can do that, then I can do anything.”
It is quite common for people to keep an exercise diary in which they might record their weight and the amount of activity completed, but it can also be useful to record how you feel before and after exercise. Most people benefit psychologically from exercising and mental health providers recommend it. Recording the positive results on your mental health can remind you how worthwhile your fitness routine is and encourage you to maintain an exercise regime. Your Personal Trainer can help you with this.
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[...] Exercise improves mental health and help battle burnout if you suffer from anxiety, stress, or depression. Start a fitness program, try some relaxation exercises or take a calming yoga class. [...]