Workouts have been known to improve physical health, but they also offer several mental benefits. Exercise can serve as a therapeutic tool for individuals experiencing various forms of mental pain, including anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. Physical activity boosts the body’s endorphins, a chemical that triggers positive feelings and a sense of well-being.
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn
Managing stress- One of the benefits of a regular workout routine is reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Performing cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and even walking helps alleviate anxiety and stress because it stimulates the release of endorphins. Engaging in yoga or deep breathing exercises can also facilitate relaxation and help in relieving pent-up anxiety and tension.
Controlling depression- Depression can also be considerably improved through exercise. Endorphins help boost mood, and regular exercise can work wonders on building self-esteem, confidence, and cognitive function. Exercise stimulates the growth and development of new brain cells, which help improve mood and cognition.
“Your health account, your bank account, they’re the same thing. The more you put in, the more you can take out. Exercise is king and nutrition is queen. Together you have a kingdom.” – Jack LaLanne
Managing trauma- Workouts have also been known to help individuals going through traumatic events. It helps them cope and manage their emotions, preventing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. As trauma can negatively impact sleep, appetite, and energy levels, performing physical activity addresses and combat these common symptoms.
Increasing confidence- Engaging in regular exercise, aiming and reaching fitness goal, short-term and long-term can give individuals a sense of achievement. Adding all those achievements tends to boost one’s self-esteem and confidence, in terms of ability and appearance.
“Confidence comes from discipline and training.” – Robert Kiyosaki
Cognitive functions- Workout can also be a brain booster. Studies have shown that engaging in physical exercise can help improve attention, concentration, creativity, and memory. Regular exercise also tends to increase mental energy and help in the growth of new brain cells, delaying age-related cognitive decline.
Increasing Social interaction– Physical exercise, especially group exercises such as gym, team sports, etc. can also help widen a person’s social circle, which can act as a social support system. It increases social interaction and emotional support, reducing the feeling of loneliness, isolation.
“I don’t count my sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that count.”–Muhammad Ali
Improving sleep– Regular exercise helps in regulating sleeping patterns. Regular workouts, engaging in yoga and stretching at night tends to promote sleep. Exercise influences in improving the quality of sleep and helping decrease sleep-related disorders.
Workout has several mental health benefits and potential in healing mental pain. From increasing the production of endorphins to improving cognitive abilities, managing stress and anxiety, and coping with traumatic events, physical activity provides a natural, cost-effective, and beneficial way to improve mental health. Regular exercise should be incorporated into daily life to help people heal and optimize their mental wellbeing.
“The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger