Fitness and mental health are closely related, and regular physical activity can improve mental well-being, and can help to prevent the onset of quite a few different mental health conditions.
One of the most well-known ways in which fitness can benefit mental health is by reducing stress and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. These endorphins can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and for many people, can help them to overcome the debilitating effects these conditions can have.
As most of us have busy lives, jobs and social lives, it’s inevitable that most of us will experience stress or anxiety at some point, therefore having a good gym routine could help, or even prevent the symptoms in the first place.
Physical activity can also improve sleep quality, a problem so many people suffer with. Poor sleep is a common problem for people with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and exercise can help to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Having bad sleep can create a whole host of problems itself, such as feeling less motivated, low mood, bad food choices throughout the day and a lack of concentration, so improving your sleep is a huge benefit to having a good workout routine.
Fitness can also help to improve self-esteem and body image. Regular exercise can help to improve muscle tone, cardiovascular fitness, and overall health, leading to a greater sense of self-worth and a more positive body image. It’s true that most of us feel better when our bodies are stronger and more able, so a regular fitness schedule will help support us to look and feel our best.
Regular physical activity can have a significant positive impact on mental health. It can reduce stress and improve mood, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem and body image., It can also help to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions and prevent mental illness altogether, therefore, it’s important to make fitness a regular part of your routine to maintain good physical and mental health.
If you want to chat about your fitness goals, book a free consultation, or just want to know a bit more about what I do, contact me today.