We all know that exercise and being physically active is good for us. It improves our physical condition and prevents potential diseases and illnesses in the future. But there is far more to exercise than you might think. It doesn’t just help us physically, it can also act as an effective stress reliever. Stress affects the brain, and as the brain controls our body with its many nerve connections, it’s fair to say when we experience stress, the rest of our body experiences it as well. That is why conventional wisdom holds that if you make your body feel better, your mind feels better too.
The mental benefits of exercise have long been scientifically proven and many therapists and mental professionals recommend regular exercise for their patients who are struggling with mental issues and illnesses. You may be surprised if you are just starting to work out for the first time, just how far a little exercise can go to helping reduce your stress and enabling you to deal with your anxiety.
Here is the science behind how exercise can reduce your stress and anxiety levels and why it should always be a part of your self-care plan.
Exercise Pumps up your Endorphins
Endorphins, or your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers. While some activities like meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, or even deep breathing can produce this hormone, exercise especially pumps your endorphins. With the number of endorphins produced after a hard workout, you will find yourself sleeping better, feeling better, and feeling far less stressed and anxious. It doesn’t have to be a high-intensity workout, some aerobic activities like tennis or a nature hike can be enough to have this effect.
Exercise Utilizes Tension in a Positive Way
In some ways, exercise actually mimics some of the effects of anxiety. The fitness equipment experts at Weight Bench Depot explain that when you are doing a hard cardio workout or lifting heavy weights, it is the explosion of the built-up tension in your body which raises the intensity of your body. Heavy lifting, in particular, uses this tension but at the same time dissipates the negative aspects of tension, stress, and anxiety. That’s why, after working out for a long time, your body will experience positive effects in terms of improved cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems, which all help you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
Exercise Works the Same Way as Meditation
After an intense workout session or a fast-paced sports game, you probably find yourself forgetting the day’s irritation and stress, and in fact, concentrating only on your body’s movements. The more you shed your daily tension through high-intensity workouts, the more you find that the focus on this intense activity takes the stressful thoughts out of your mind. After this habit sets in, you will experience more positive energy every day and your mind will stay calm, clear, and focused on everything you do.
Exercise Improves your Mood
Your mood is affected by many factors, such as your personality, your work environment, and the quality of your sleep. Exercise has been proven to improve your sleep quality, which is often disrupted by stress or the symptoms of anxiety. Waking up after a deep sleep, you will be far more rested to begin your morning in a positive way and maintain your mood during the day. Seratonin released through exercise also helps you relax better and reduce the symptoms of mild depression. These benefits can give you a sense of control over your life and stabilize your mood.
Exercise Improves your Self-Image and Confidence
As society values certain beauty standards, low self-confidence, and self-esteem can cause serious anxiety. Not only does regular exercise improve your general wellness, but it has also been proven to improve your body’s figure and form. A fit body promotes self-confidence, twitch stops you from feeling anxious about how you feel.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and whilst it is almost impossible to totally eliminate it, it is manageable with the right methods. As exercise can decrease the overall level of tensions, elevate mood, and improve self-esteem, it is an effective technique for stress control and mood-boosting. To be able to achieve this goal, try not to look at exercise as a chore, find something you enjoy – whether it’s a tennis match, a long walk, or some meditative yoga- stick to it and make it a part of your regular routine. You don’t have to start hard, just a small and simple exercise can go a long way.