Unlocking Wellness: 5 Ways Exercise Boosts Mental Health
Want to feel more motivated and energized throughout your day? This is why we incorporate daily movement into our morning routine. We love exercise not only because it affects us physically but, more importantly, because it impacts our mental health. Post-workout, we feel energetic, clear-headed, rejuvenated, and uplifted, allowing us to be the best version of ourselves.
Our recent events have focused on meditation and movement practices that truly heal the mind, body, and soul as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. If you had the opportunity to join us at one of our May events, we hope through the deeply relaxing sound bath or renewing pilates class, that you left feeling inspired to incorporate more of these activities into your daily life as a way to say yes to you.
Your mental health should be prioritized every month, not only in May, and fitness is one of the best practices to foster a positive mindset. Here are five mental health benefits of daily exercise:
Improves Anxiety and Depression
By exercising, your body releases endorphins, elevating your mood. With an uplifted spirit, your mind will be relaxed, you will experience reduced muscle tension, and you will be distracted from your anxious thoughts. Being active will also increase self-confidence, helping alleviate depressive symptoms and taking control of your body and mind.
2. Decreases Stress
When stressed, your mind is racing, but discomfort can also be felt by the body. Regular activity will reduce stress levels, providing you with a clear headspace to take on the day. With relaxed muscles and relieved tension, your body and mind will reap all the benefits through the simple act of moving your body.
3. Sharpens Memory and Focus
As you exercise, increased blood flows to the brain, ultimately leading to better memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. Not only will your mood be improved, but working out will allow you to concentrate and be mentally sharp for your tasks and the day ahead.
4. Increases Confidence
What better feeling is there than achieving your fitness goals? Whether running a certain distance, lifting a heavier weight, or mastering a new yoga pose, exercise can boost your overall self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment.
5. Promotes Better Sleep
Everyone needs quality sleep to feel rested and rejuvenated the next day. By incorporating daily movement into your routine, this will significantly improve your sleep quality and duration. Exercise helps regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting deeper and restorative sleep to optimize your health. Morning workouts are best, but try yoga or gentle stretching to relax your body and mind if you prefer exercising at night.
To begin this mental health journey, slowly incorporate regular exercise into your routine in a way that feels best for you. See for yourself the benefits, not only in your appearance but also in your overall mental health, mood, stress management, anxiety, focus, and sleep quality. We look forward to helping guide you on this self-care journey. Check our events page to stay up-to-date on more ways to better your mental health and well-being.
