Exercise isn’t just about getting stronger or losing weight. Sure, it can make your body healthier, help you look better, and even make you feel more confident. But for most people, the real reason they exercise is because it makes them feel good.
People who exercise regularly tend to feel happier and more energetic. They sleep better, remember things more clearly, and feel more positive about themselves and their lives. Exercise can also be a great help if you’re dealing with common mental health issues.
Regular exercise can really help with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It can also reduce stress, improve your memory, help you sleep better, and boost your mood overall. You don’t have to be a fitness expert to benefit from exercise. Even a little bit can make a big difference, no matter how old you are or how fit you feel.
Exercise and Depression:
Studies show that exercise can help with mild to moderate depression as much as medication can, without any of the side effects. For example, just 15 minutes of running or an hour of walking each day can lower the risk of major depression by 26%. Exercise changes your brain in good ways, like growing new brain cells and releasing chemicals that make you feel happy.
Exercise and Anxiety:
Exercise is a natural way to calm anxiety. It relieves tension, boosts your energy, and makes you feel better overall. Paying attention to how your body feels while you exercise can help even more. Feeling your feet on the ground or the rhythm of your breath can help distract you from worrying thoughts.
Exercise and Stress:
When you’re stressed, your body feels it too. Your muscles might tense up, you might get headaches, or you might have trouble sleeping. But exercising can help break this cycle. It releases chemicals in your brain that help you relax and relieve tension in your body.
Exercise and ADHD:
Exercise is great for people with ADHD. It can help you focus better, have more energy, and improve your mood. Moving your body boosts certain chemicals in your brain that help with attention and focus, just like medication does.
Exercise and PTSD:
If you have PTSD or trauma, focusing on how your body feels while you exercise can help your nervous system relax. Activities like walking, running, swimming, or dancing can be especially helpful.
Other Benefits of Exercise:
Even if you don’t have a mental health problem, exercise is still good for your brain. It helps you think more clearly, feel better about yourself, sleep better, and have more energy.
You don’t have to spend hours at the gym to get these benefits. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is enough. You can even break it up into shorter sessions if that’s easier for you.
If you’re too busy during the week, don’t worry. You can still get the benefits of exercise by being active on the weekends. Every little bit helps, even if it’s just a short walk or some gardening.
Overcoming Obstacles to Exercise:
It’s normal to feel tired, overwhelmed, or hopeless when you’re dealing with mental health issues. But exercise can actually give you more energy and improve your mood. Start small, find activities you enjoy, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t do as much as you’d like.
Easy Ways to Move More:
You don’t need to set aside a lot of time for exercise. Look for ways to be active throughout your day, like cleaning the house, walking instead of driving, or playing with your kids. Anything that gets you moving counts as exercise.
Make Exercise Fun:
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or painful. Find activities you enjoy, like dancing, hiking, or playing sports with friends. And don’t forget to reward yourself for being active. You deserve it!
By making exercise a regular part of your life, you can improve your mental health, feel better about yourself, and enjoy life more.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
