Exercising

We all know that exercise is beneficial to our physical health. But if you ask most people why you’re likely to get a generic answer.

In this post, we’re going to break down the reasons why exercise is good for your physical and mental health. And in the end, don’t be surprised if you find the motivation to put on your running shoes and go for a jog around the block.

Why Exercise is Beneficial to Your Physical Health

You may already be aware of some of the physical benefits of exercise, so this section will serve as a brief reminder of how important it really is to get moving.

Numerous studies have shown that exercise can improve your health in the following ways:

  • Reduce heart attack risk
  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Help you manage your weight
  • Lower blood cholesterol levels
  • Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and certain cancers
  • Promote healthy bones, muscles, and joints
  • Reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis
  • Improve your recovery time from injury

And if you’ve ever exercised regularly, you know that you feel great when you’re in the habit. The exercise itself might make you want to cry, but once that’s over, the endorphins kick in, and you’re on top of the world.

Overall, we all feel better when we look better, and exercise can help get you there.

The physical benefits alone might be enough for you to want to hit the gym, but there’s more to the story than what meets the eye.

There are also benefits to your mental health from exercising too.

Mental Benefits of Exercise

If you’re sold on the physical benefits of exercise, you’re really going to be excited about the mental benefits. There are almost as many mental benefits as there are physical ones.

Here are a few you should know:

Alleviating Depression and Anxiety

Exercise can improve your mental health by boosting mood and decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. How does it work? Well, when you exercise, the body naturally produces endorphins in response to physical stress. And the endorphins produce feelings of happiness and euphoria. In the same way, exercise can also reduce stress.

Increase Self-Esteem

There are a few ways exercise can increase your overall self-esteem. First, there are the accomplishments of being able to achieve more in your workouts. The more you do, the more you’re able to do, and that feels good. But when you exercise regularly over time, you’ll also improve your overall appearance as your body becomes fitter and more toned. And looking good will always make you feel good.

Sleep Better

Have you ever noticed that you sleep better when you’re working out regularly? Especially when you’ve had a particularly rigorous workout, your rest that night will be second-to-none. This happens because exercise increases your body temperature, and this can calm your mind. When you exercise in the morning, it also helps your circadian rhythm, which is the built-in alarm clock that tells us when to sleep and wake.

Improve Cognitive Strength

Studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise creates new brain cells and improves your overall cognitive performance. Regular exercise is also likely to prevent cognitive decline and memory loss as it strengthens the hippocampus.

Are you ready to start exercising? The benefits are really overwhelming, and there’s no better time to start than now. And here’s the good news: You only need about 30 minutes of exercise daily to see the positive impacts in your life.

So, it’s easier than ever to find time for exercise. And now that you know all the many benefits, you’re probably already tying the laces on your running shoes.