Ok, guys, how many of you have struggled with your mental health?
FYI- my hand is straight up in the air. I’ve been through it, and badly.
Thankfully, I found a solution that has personally brought me great relief. You might’ve guessed it- EXERCISE.
First of all, it’s important to understand that exercise can be any activity that gets your body moving and your heart rate up. This can be anything from playing sports to dancing to going for a run or bike ride. And while we often think of exercise as something that’s good for our bodies, it can also have some really powerful effects on our minds.
Trust me, I’ve used (and still use) it all the time.
One of the biggest benefits of exercise for mental health is that it can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. When you’re feeling anxious, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which means that it releases a bunch of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones can make you feel jittery and on edge, and can even cause physical symptoms like an increased heart rate and difficulty breathing.
Personally, I just to get all kinds of heart palpitations. It leaves you feeling helpless and afraid.
I’m getting a bit vulnerable here, but I have personally been rushed to the emergency room six different times due to panic attacks. It’s not fun. It’s really scary, and can be managed with the following…
When you exercise, your body uses up some of these stress hormones, which can help reduce your overall level of anxiety. Exercise can also be incredibly calming to your mind, which can be especially helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Another benefit of exercise for improving mental health is its ability to improve your mood. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which are often called the “feel-good” chemicals because they can help improve your mood and make you feel happier. This is why you might notice that you feel really good after a hard workout – it’s not just because you’re physically tired, but also because your body is releasing endorphins that make you feel good.
Exercise can also help improve your self-esteem and confidence. When you’re able to set goals for yourself and work towards them, whether it’s running a certain distance or lifting a certain amount of weight, it can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Not to mention, the better you look, the better you feel, and this can and will translate into other areas of your life, and can help you feel more confident and capable, overall.
In addition to these benefits, exercise can also have some other positive effects on mental health. For example, it can help you sleep better, which is important because getting enough sleep is essential for just about every single bodily function; mental clarity, cognitive abilities, reflexes, muscle repair, work performance, etc.
Exercise can also help improve your concentration and focus, which can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with lacking overall focus.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with poor mental health, I highly recommend incorporating exercise into your routine. Not only can it help improve your physical health, but it can also have a powerful impact on your mind.
As they say, the body follows the mind, so make sure to do everything in your power to keep your mind healthy. So, whether it’s getting into the gym, playing tennis, going on a hike, or shooting some hoops, movement is the cure.
Good luck, guys, and let me know how it works out for you.
-Rob
#InLifeAndFitness