We could all use a good motivator to get our bodies movin’, and if you are in need of an immediate mood boost, well then there is your motivator! Exercise is not only fantastic for our physical health, but the mental health benefits are pretty stellar as well. Keep reading, as we take a look at mental health as a motivator for exercise.
Have you been experiencing a particularly rough week at the office? Do not skip your lunch time gym sesh for buy one get one tacos this Tuesday! Exercise should be the priority here. Get that cardio in for about 30 minutes (that would still leave you with 30 min. for tacos!), and you will be heading back to your desk with clarity and a mood boost. An endorphin release, those feel good hormones, occurs approximately after 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio exercise. Are you looking to add to your self-care plan for treatment of symptoms of anxiety and/or depression? Exercise is a great addition. Regular exercise can act as an anti-depressant for mild symptoms as it helps boost serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Are your current relationships suffering? Or are you looking to make greater connections? With those feel good hormones being released, confidence is increased. People also tend to be happier with regular exercise. Feeling better in your own skin can make it easier to be more present in your social world. How you manage conflict within current relationships can go smoother with tension being released through exercise. Is getting good sleep an issue for you? Sleep sufferers could possibly suffer less with regular exercise. Exercise has been known to contribute to adequate amounts of rest as well as alleviate sleep-related problems. Even the act of scheduling our exercise routines, such as physically adding this time block into our planner or calendar, is beneficial. So get goin’!
Exercise carries numerous health benefits all around. It can act as a big motivator for mental health. Try taking a look at the various mental health benefits and take note of any that resonate with you. You may be surprised at how soon you will be accomplishing your health goals.
