Benefits of Physical Activity on Mental Health

Plenty of people decide to start exercising, eating well, and more to improve their physical health. But did you know that physical activity has many benefits for mental health? Regular physical activity is an excellent choice whether you are looking for a way to manage your current mental health issues or want to stay on top of your well-being. So what are the benefits? Let’s take a look at some of the ways physical activity can positively affect our mental health.

1. Mood-Booster

The release of endorphins is one of the primary benefits of physical activity. Endorphins are hormones the body produces that can help reduce pain and make us feel good. When we exercise, these endorphins are released into the bloodstream, acting as an effective mood booster, thus making us feel more positive.

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Physical activity is a great way to regulate stress and ease worries. During workout sessions, our bodies experience the “fight or flight” response, which raises our heart rate and breathing speed. This helps us clear out any additional energy derived from anxiety. Additionally, partaking in exercise can distract one’s mind away from anxious thoughts by focusing on something more constructive instead.

3. Raises Self-Esteem

Regular exercise can be a great boost to your self-confidence and sense of worthiness. As you progress through difficult challenges, it will undoubtedly make you feel proud for conquering them; this, in turn, creates an inner strength that carries over into other areas of life. Moreover, physical activity is also the perfect opportunity to meet new people or develop fresh skills – both surefire paths towards improving one’s esteem and purpose!

4. Improves Sleep Quality

Staying active is a guaranteed way to increase the quality of your sleep. Exercise helps us feel more naturally tired, allowing for an easier time drifting off and remaining asleep throughout the night – something that can profoundly impact our mental health.

5. Boosts Energy Levels

One of the many benefits of physical activity is boosting your energy levels! When we increase our circulation, more oxygen is efficiently sent to our muscles and cells, making us feel alert rather than drowsy throughout the day! Exercise not only helps keep you energised; it also promotes a positive attitude towards life and offers numerous other health benefits.

6. Social Support and Motivation

An often-overlooked advantage of physical activity is its social component. Whether it’s exercising with friends or in a group class, having people to hold you accountable and provide motivation can make all the difference when striving for your fitness goals. This especially applies to those dealing with mental health issues since engaging others can bring about community, support, and, most importantly – belonging.

Tips to Improve Your Mental Health with Exercise

Now that you know the benefits of physical activity on mental health, how do you get started? It can be overwhelming to dive into regular exercise, and throwing yourself in could backfire and worsen your mental health. Here are a few tips on improving your mental health with exercise.

1. Stay Consistent

Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity three to five days a week. This can include walking, biking, swimming, running, weight training, or any other exercise that increases your heart rate.

2. Make It Enjoyable

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring! Choose activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. If you don’t like running, try swimming or biking instead. The more fun you make it, the more likely you are to stick with it.

3. Exercise With Friends

Grab a friend or two for a fun activity, whether swimming, biking, or going on a nice walk. Exercising with others can provide motivation, accountability, and social support. It can also make it more fun!

4. Start Slow

Don’t try to do too much too quickly. Start with a few minutes of exercise each day and gradually build up your endurance over time.

5. Give Yourself Credit

Remember to reward yourself for the hard work and dedication you put into your physical activity. This can keep you motivated and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Wellbeing with Circle Mall

If you’re looking for a great way to improve your mental health, heading down to the Health Club at Circle Mall is the perfect solution. With its wide range of physical activities and fitness classes, it’s easy to find something that suits you. Make sure to reap all of the benefits of physical activity that we’ve discussed, from reducing stress to improving sleep and more! Plus, making it a habit to attend the gym regularly can provide you with a sense of accomplishment. Ready to experience the mental and emotional benefits of physical activity? Then, head to Circle Mall today to gain all these fantastic benefits!