Most of us already knew the many physical benefits of exercise: weight loss, low blood
pressure, and of course, increased energy. But what about the mental benefits? From easing
symptoms of depression and anxiety to keeping your memory sharp, there’s no shortage of
mental benefits of exercise.
Below is a run-down of some of the benefits of exercise to your mental health:
1. Decreased Stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life. It’s impossible to eliminate, but you can learn to
manage stress, and most people usually do. Exercise is also considered vital for
maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show that it is very effective
at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall
cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy
or ability to concentrate. It’s a meditation in motion.
Studies show that regular participation in physical exercise has been shown to decrease
overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-
esteem. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects.
2. Increase self-esteem and confidence
Do you have a positive outlook of yourself and your capabilities? Some research has very
clearly shown a strong link between positive self-esteem and mental and physical health. Self-
esteem is defined as our evaluation of our self-concept and feelings associated with that
evaluation. Self-concept is our perception of our attributes and qualities.
There are many mechanisms by which exercise increases our evaluations of ourselves. In the
short-term, exercise enhances our mood and puts our mind in a more positive state. Second,
exercise makes us feel good about our physical self, mainly our physique! Last, exercise
provides us with a sense of accomplishment that boosts our confidence. For each goal you hit,
don’t forget to reward yourself! Decide in advance how you will celebrate your accomplishment,
and then go for it! Take time to reflect on the hard work that you put into achieving your
mission.
3. Better Sleep
Based on studies, there has been solid evidence that exercise does, in fact, help you fall asleep
more quickly and improves sleep quality. However, moderate workouts increase the amount of
slow wave sleep you get. Slow wave sleep refers to deep sleep, where the brain and body have
a chance to rejuvenate. The effect of exercise on some people is like taking a shower that
wakes you up in the morning. Elevation in core body temperature signals the body clock that it’s
time to be awake. After about 30 to 90 minutes, the core body temperature starts to fall. The
decline helps to facilitate sleepiness.
People who engage in at least half an hour of moderate exercise may see a difference in sleep
quality that same night. It’s generally not going to take months or years to see a benefit.
4. Happy Hormones
It’s an instant mood booster. It pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity may help bump up
the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins
Often, people who exercise regularly do it simply because it makes them feel good. Exercise
can boost your mood, concentration and alertness. It can even help give you a positive outlook
on life.
