THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE!

The Mental Health Benefits You

Get from Exercise

The first sign of the benefits obtained from regular exercise is usually seen when you take a look in the mirror. But it doesn’t stop there. Your mental health – which cannot be seen in mirrors – also gains a lot of benefits from workouts.

Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Below are the things you need to know about the mental health benefits obtained from exercise, all of which are scientifically proven:

Improves the Memory

Do you know that when you get sweaty, your memory significantly improves? This may be somewhat hard to believe, but it is true.

Perspiration has been shown to boost the production of brain cells, in the hippocampus, that are responsible for both learning and memory.

Research has found a profound link between brain development and level of fitness. This is one of the reasons why school kids are allowed to play during recess time.

So, if you are running sprints, there is no doubt that you will enjoy the benefits of improved memory in the “long run”.

Minimizes the Risk of Depression

Studies have shown that exercise can be used to treat mild or moderate depression much more efficiently than antidepressants. And without the attendant side-effects of medications, of course. 

Did you know that the number one prescription given by medical doctors before World War II was exercise?

Fifteen minutes of exercise a day or walking for at least one hour can significantly minimize the risk of depression by up to 26 percent. Research has also shown that when you maintain an exercise schedule, you will effectively prevent relapses.

Boosts Creativity

Physical activity is rarely performed alone, especially if you are at a gym. Competition is good for the brain, and since you will be trying to outperform your friend, you will remain motivated for a long time.

Motivation helps the flow of your creative juices, and only intense workouts can get you to that plane.

Improves Self-Confidence

There is no other medication-free activity that boosts self-confidence like exercise. It will boost your self-esteem and significantly enhance your self-image as well.

Exercise has been scientifically proven to improve a person’s self-worth or attractiveness. So, hop on that treadmill and pump away!

Controls Addiction

When you engage in exercises, the “feel good” hormone called dopamine is released into your bloodstream. This is the same feeling of euphoria you experience when you use drugs or consume alcohol in excess.

But the good thing is that dopamine can also be used to curb addiction. According to research involving alcoholics, it was shown that short and intense exercise sessions had profound effects on them.

The exercises effectively distracted these alcoholics from their usual cravings for alcoholic beverages.

Prevents Cognitive Decline

As you progressively get older, your brain gets somewhat hazy. This is a universal occurrence in all humans, and there is virtually nothing you can do about it.

However, exercises can do wonders with your mental health. While it may not be possible to cure degenerative or aging diseases such as Alzheimer’s, they can help by shoring up the human brain against cognitive decline.

If you are between ages 25 and 45, exercises will boost the chemicals in your brain to support it, thus preventing the degeneration of the hippocampus.

Exercises can have significant positive effects on your overall mental health. These points should inspire you to get out there and start working out as soon as possible.  Exercises should be performed at a minimum of three times per week for 30 minutes to get all the above mentioned benefits.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Brian Wallace