Integrating Physical Activity for Mental Wellbeing

Many of us exercise and engage in physical activity to strengthen our bodies, improve endurance, keep ourselves disease free and develop a lean and mean physique. But let us have a look at workouts again. At first glance it would appear that keeping ourselves physically fit only has advantages that affect only our physical body. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Exercising, playing sports and any form of physical activity also has a profound impact on our mental well-being.

In this blog, let us understand how integrating physical activity into your daily life can also boost your mental health, reduce stress, and keep you happier.

How Physical Activity Affects the Brain

Release of Endorphins

This phenomenon is now quite well known among fitness enthusiasts. Exercise or any form of physical activity promotes the release of hormones in the body known as endorphins. Endorphins are natural mood-boosters that reduce the effect of pain receptors and induce a feeling of happiness in the body. So, it turns out that working out is an excellent way to boost your mood and improve mental well-being.

Stress Reduction

The main hormone that is responsible for causing stress is called cortisol. When you exercise, the levels of cortisol in your body fall considerably, thus alleviating symptoms of stress and anxiety. If you feel a bit of stress, then know that hitting the gym is one of the best stressbusters out there.

Balance of Neurotransmitters

How we feel on a particular day, our moods and emotions is based on a delicate balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Stress and anxiety are known to produce imbalances in these neurotransmitters and physical activity is a great way to promote this balance.

Additional Mental Benefits of Working Out

We talked about the actual neuro-chemical effects of exercise and how it helps our mental health. But the mental benefits of exercise don’t just end there. There are so many other advantages of exercise that can help us lead a more disciplined and healthy life which eventually aids our mental health. Let’s look at some of these benefits.

Improved Self-Confidence

Working out is a terrific confidence booster. The sense of achievement you gain on having worked on yourself is not limited to your time in the gym. It will carry on to other aspects of your life and help you grow in your work and personal life as well.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Exercising keeps you fit and disease-free, which makes you more productive. When you’re healthy all the time, your quality of life also improves drastically. Exercise has, therefore, a direct relation to a healthy and positive quality of life.

Social Interaction

Working out at the gym or engaging in Zumba or aerobics involves being in a common space with like-minded individuals. This provides an excellent opportunity for social interaction and the beginning of new friendships. This can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.

Sense of Discipline

When your daily routine is wayward and unstructured, it may have a negative impact on your mental health because idle time or unproductive stretches. Working out to a set routine instils a sense of discipline that can contribute towards better mental health. You have a sense of purpose every day and that is enough to get you out of your armchair.

Improved Focus and Concentration

Strength training exercises require a great deal of focus and concentration to keep proper form and accomplish the required reps and sets. After continual regular workouts, your brain’s cognitive function is better, you can prolong your focus and work with pinpoint concentration. Other mind-body disciplines like yoga also greatly influence your overall mental well-being.

Though the brain and nervous system and the musculoskeletal systems are different systems, they’re in the same body and are intricately linked. Any effect on one will also have a great effect on the other. Therefore, it is necessary to keep your body fit to keep your mind healthy, and vice versa. If you’re looking to integrate physical activity for mental well-being, then download the FITPASS app today. Find gyms, fitness centres and aerobic classes near you with ease. For an enhanced mind-body connection, look for the best yoga classes near you.

FAQs

What physical activities help with mental health?

Any physical activity like working out in the gym, strength training, cardio, kickboxing, yoga, stretching, Zumba, and aerobics can significantly help with mental health. Playing sports also contributes towards mental health and well-being.

What are the 5 ways to wellbeing physical activity?

5 ways to improve mental well-being:

• Exercise
• Eat healthy
• Play sports
• Practice yoga
• Set a routine

What are examples of mental activities?

Some examples of activities that boost mental health include exercise, mindfulness, mediation, yoga, and breathing techniques.

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