WWe all know the benefits of exercising when it comes to looking after our physical health, however exercising is just as important for our mental health as it is for our physical health.
When we are feeling in a low mood, it can be very challenging to get ourselves to do anything or have a change in our routine, however trying to push ourselves to be more physically active can help us maintain positive mental health, either on its own or in combination with other treatments.
This doesn’t mean that we have to run the marathon or train every day at the gym, there is a variety of things we can do to be a little more active.
How does exercise impact our mood?
– Exercise can help us increase our energy levels
– It can also help us in getting a good night’s sleep
– Helps in creating a new routine which can change our cycle of thought which may level us feeling anxious or depressed
– It helps us feel more in control, which improves our self-esteem, as we are taking an active role in our own treatments
– Helps in increasing our confidence as we meet challenges and reach our goals, regardless of how small they may be for us, it also helps us in feeling good about our bodies
The link between exercise and mood
Although we do not currently know the direct link as to why exercise is a good tool for improving mood conditions; we do know that exercise has an impact on the following:
– Chronic depression: Exercise helps us by increasing the levels of serotonin; this helps our brain regulate mood, sleep and appetite. It also helps us with our brain- derived neurotrophic factor which helps our neurons to grow.
– Our immune system: Helps in reducing the chemicals in our immune system, that can make our depression worse.
– Our Endorphins: Exercising helps us increase our endorphin levels, which are known as a natural mood lifter within our brain.
– Focus: Exercising is an activity which requires focus, therefore when we achieve something from it, we feel a sense of accomplishment.
– Stress: Exercising regularly limits the effects of stress on our brain.
What type of exercise would help with my mood?
There isn’t a specific type of exercise that is deemed to be most effective when it comes to helping us with our mood, any type of exercise that you feel comfortable with and enjoy part-taking in, is beneficial.
It is always important to enjoy the exercise activity that you’re doing, otherwise you will not stick to it and view it as ‘another thing to do’ rather then It being a part of your lifestyle, meaning you won’t find motivation for it, which can usually lead us to stopping the particular thing we are doing.
To stay healthy, we should all do 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week. However, any amount of activity is better than none.
Do what you can, when you can, if you can!
If you have any health issues, please consult your doctor before beginning anything.