Lots of clients at Habitat Health and Fitness tell me how good they feel after a workout. They note that not only do they feel like they have more energy, they feel less stressed and happier. There’s a reason for that. Exercise helps burn off the negative stress hormones that affect your body throughout the day and keep you with the feeling of a knot in your stomach. But there are other ways fitness helps with mental health and studies that show the positive effect.
Exercise has become a complementary therapy for depression and anxiety.
Working out isn’t a replacement for help from mental health professionals, but it can supplement that help. Studies show that exercise can help relieve both depression and anxiety. Many health care professionals use it as an adjunct therapy and it helps for more reasons than just burning off stress hormones. In fact, for moderate anxiety or depression, one study shows that just moderate exercise several times a week can get good results, even eliminating the need for medication. The only side effect from this therapy is a great looking body and more energy.
The improved circulation from exercise helps all parts of your body, even your brain.
It doesn’t matter what study you choose, they all agree that exercise boosts circulation. That improved circulation transfers to better mental functioning. You’ll think clearer and increase your cognitive ability. Studies are now geared to see if exercise is a good way to offset age related mental decline. That hypothesis is based on the studies that show cardio workouts boost the creation of new brain cells, called neurogenesis. Neurogenesis improves the functioning of the brain by strengthening the hippocampus, aiding memory.
Let’s not forget the benefit of a good night’s sleep.
Lack of sleep leaves you tired, brain fuzzy and often really grouchy. Some times you’re more emotional and cry easier. When you workout regularly, not only do you sleep sounder, but it improves the quality of sleep. It makes it more likely that you’ll get the right type of sleep to boost your mental functioning. If you have insomnia, try working out regularly and see if that helps.
- Lack of confidence can make you feel inadequate, make you sound and feel confused. When you workout not only does it improve your posture to make you look more confidence, it actually improves your self-confidence.
- Have you ever waited in a room with people that were worried? There are always a few pacers. It’s a natural reaction to stress with the walking/exercise bringing comfort when you’re anxious.
- Working out increases your heart rate and stimulates the production of neurohormones. Those help regulate not only cognitive functioning, but improve your mood, too.
- Still not convinced? Come in and see for yourself. We offer 3 free fat burning sessions at Habitat Health and Fitness. Try them and see how great you feel emotionally when you’re done.
For more information, contact us today at Habitat Health and Fitness