Exercise is not only great for your body, but its also an effective way to improve your mental health. Regular exercise can have a significant impact on anxiety, stress and depression. Further, not only will your overall mood be good, but youll also sleep a lot better.
No matter how old you are, exercise can have a positive impact on your life. Plus, you dont have to go to the gym religiously to feel the effects of regular exercise.
A modest amount of regular exercise can be used as a tool to get fit while feeling great. You can even come up with a fitness regime for the whole family.
People get motivated to exercise regularly because they feel more energetic throughout the day and have sharper memories. So once you get into the groove, you will love keeping to a regular workout schedule.
So what exercises should you incorporate into your routine to improve your mental health?
1. Play outside
You might have noticed while playing with the kids outside or doing gardening makes you feel good. Thats because a healthy dose of sunlight stimulates your serotonin levels, which plays a major role in improving mental health.
Add some movement to that and you will feel even better. It doesnt have to be standard exercises that you do at the gym, you can even just play outside with the kids and get a good workout.
2. Bounce around
If you have a trampoline in the yard, take advantage of it and bounce around with the kids. If you bounce for a little bit, you can get some endorphins flowing and get some oxygen into the brain.
3. Go for a walk
Walking is another simple exercise that can make you feel good. You may not have realized it, but walking is an aerobic exercise that wont cost you a penny.
You can start out with small distances and then increase it as you start to get fitter.
4. Start running
Cardiovascular exercises are a good way to fight depression without medication. So if youre ready to take it to the next level, running is a good workout that hits all the right buttons. But first, check with your doctor to see if running is a good option for you.
If you can run for 20-30 minutes most days of the week, itll have a significant impact on your emotional well-being.
The euphoria thats sometimes associated with this form of exertion is caused by the release of endorphins in the brain as a response to continuous physical activity.
5. Lift weights
Strength training can also enhance your mental health because its all about the control that requires your complete attention.
On the plus side, you can also see the physical benefits of lifting weights, so thats going to add to your good mood.
If you have never done it before, its a good idea to access some professional help and start slow.
6. Take up Tai Chi or yoga
Tai Chi and yoga involve slow movements and mindfulness, which can improve your flexibility and your mood.
However, dont try it on your own because theres a good chance of getting hurt if you dont do the poses properly. Join a class in your neighborhood and start practicing these eastern traditions with like-minded people.
No matter how old you are, exercise can have a positive impact on your life. Plus, you dont have to go to the gym religiously to feel the effects of regular exercise.
A modest amount of regular exercise can be used as a tool to get fit while feeling great. You can even come up with a fitness regime for the whole family.
People get motivated to exercise regularly because they feel more energetic throughout the day and have sharper memories. So once you get into the groove, you will love keeping to a regular workout schedule.
So what exercises should you incorporate into your routine to improve your mental health?
1. Play outside
You might have noticed while playing with the kids outside or doing gardening makes you feel good. Thats because a healthy dose of sunlight stimulates your serotonin levels, which plays a major role in improving mental health.
Add some movement to that and you will feel even better. It doesnt have to be standard exercises that you do at the gym, you can even just play outside with the kids and get a good workout.
2. Bounce around
If you have a trampoline in the yard, take advantage of it and bounce around with the kids. If you bounce for a little bit, you can get some endorphins flowing and get some oxygen into the brain.
3. Go for a walk
Walking is another simple exercise that can make you feel good. You may not have realized it, but walking is an aerobic exercise that wont cost you a penny.
You can start out with small distances and then increase it as you start to get fitter.
4. Start running
Cardiovascular exercises are a good way to fight depression without medication. So if youre ready to take it to the next level, running is a good workout that hits all the right buttons. But first, check with your doctor to see if running is a good option for you.
If you can run for 20-30 minutes most days of the week, itll have a significant impact on your emotional well-being.
The euphoria thats sometimes associated with this form of exertion is caused by the release of endorphins in the brain as a response to continuous physical activity.
5. Lift weights
Strength training can also enhance your mental health because its all about the control that requires your complete attention.
On the plus side, you can also see the physical benefits of lifting weights, so thats going to add to your good mood.
If you have never done it before, its a good idea to access some professional help and start slow.
6. Take up Tai Chi or yoga
Tai Chi and yoga involve slow movements and mindfulness, which can improve your flexibility and your mood.
However, dont try it on your own because theres a good chance of getting hurt if you dont do the poses properly. Join a class in your neighborhood and start practicing these eastern traditions with like-minded people.
