The Importance of Exercise on Mental Health
Being physically active is an essential demand for our body to stay healthy. Exercising regularly comes with a lot of advantages, both physical and mental.
These can vary from blood pressure control to reducing the risk of conditions like heart failure and obesity. There are also several psychological benefits linked to regular exercise. May it be a short walk daily or going to the gym, being physically active bring a lot to improve our mental health.
Right now, we are all confined to our homes. This is, of course, helpful for our health amid the coronavirus pandemic as it reduces the spread. But this is not an excuse to lay off exercising altogether.
A sedentary lifestyle has damaging effects on mental and physical health
Several types of research show that having a sedentary lifestyle has damaging effects on mental and physical health. Our immune system tends to operate better when we exercise regularly. This helps our immune system in washing out harmful bacteria and viruses from the lungs, and increase the protective cell count in the body. We need all the protection to fight this pandemic together, and boosting immunity is one of them.
Exercising routinely is now more crucial than ever
In addition, as coronavirus is connected to higher illness rates in people suffering from co-morbidities like high blood pressure, heart diseases, and diabetes, exercising routinely is now more crucial than ever. This not only increases immunity but also lessens co-morbidities, thus making it vital to exercise regularly.
We can utilize this time at home by fostering healthy eating habits, having sufficient sleep to help the body recover, and working out at home. There are numerous home-based workouts available online.
Psychological benefits of exercise
We often hear about the physical benefits of exercise but less often about the psychological benefits. Engaging in a modest amount of physical activity results in enhanced mood and emotional states. Exercise also promotes mental health as well as increase quality of life. Research has shown that exercise releases certain chemicals that help fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The general physical and psychological benefits gained through exercise are:
- An enhanced overall mood that leads to better physical performance daily
- Reduced stress as well as an increased ability to cope with symptoms of anxiety
- Improved self-esteem through goal setting and a proper schedule
- Improved body image and increases feelings of energy. This helps in boosting the confidence in one’s physical abilities
- Reduced incidence of heart diseases and diabetes
Exercise and a healthy diet can help the brain fight against cognitive decline that begins during middle age. It is often said that health and exercise help keep you younger for longer, not only physically but mentally too.
You don't need to push yourself to the limits, simply maintain a routine, sleep sufficiently and move your body daily.
