Exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Not only does it help to keep our bodies strong and healthy, but exercise can also help to reduce stress and boost our moods. Let’s look at how regular exercise can benefit your physical and mental health.
Physical Health Influences Mental Health
The relationship between our physical health and mental well-being is a two-way street. On one hand, it’s no secret that physical activity can positively affect your mental state. Exercise releases endorphins that trigger happiness and relaxation; it can also reduce stress levels, improve self-esteem, and even help combat depression and anxiety. Additionally, eating nutritious meals helps to ensure that our bodies get the fuel they need to function properly and feel energized. All of these factors contribute to better mental health.
Conversely, our mental health also suffers when we don’t take care of ourselves physically—such as by skipping meals or avoiding exercise. Poor nutrition has been linked to low moods, fatigue, poor focus, reduced memory recall, decreased motivation levels, higher stress levels, and even depression. And without regular exercise or movement throughout the day (which many of us now do less than ever due to increased screen time), we become lethargic both mentally and physically—which in turn can lead to further issues such as difficulty concentrating or sleeping soundly at night.
Physical Benefits of Exercise
The physical benefits of exercise are well-documented: from reducing the risk of chronic disease to improving heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), adults should aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity. Additionally, adults should perform muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days each week.
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by up to 27%, the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 58%, the risk of hypertension by up to 65%, and even some cancers by up to 21%. In addition, regular exercise has been proven to improve bone density, lower cholesterol levels, strengthen muscles and bones, improve balance and coordination, and boost energy levels.
Mental Health Affects Physical Health
At the same time, it’s also true that our mental health impacts our physical state. Stress hormones like cortisol can wreak havoc on the body if they remain elevated for too long.
Chronic stress has been known to cause:
- Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Headaches or migraines
- Back pain
- Muscle tension
- General aches & pains
- Weakened immunity leads to frequent illnesses such as a cold & flu
- High blood pressure
- Increased cholesterol levels
So if you notice any unexplained changes in your body that persist for more than a few days—even if you think they may be unrelated to stress or any other emotional triggers—it could be worth seeing a doctor just in case there is an underlying psychological cause at play here too.
Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise has been proven to have numerous positive effects on mental health. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while also improving cognitive function. Additionally, regular exercise increases endorphin levels which can help to boost self-confidence and create a more positive outlook on life!
Exercising regularly also encourages better sleeping habits which are essential for mental well-being. Furthermore, studies have shown that even just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three times per week can significantly impact overall mental health.
There are many benefits of exercise on physical and mental health. Regular physical activity helps to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility, reduce stress levels, boost moods and energy levels, encourage better sleep patterns, and promote self-confidence—the list goes on. So why not get moving today? Your body (and mind) will thank you later.
