Move Yourself Happy
There are many reasons for exercising. The obvious and sometimes initial reason for starting or continuing a regular exercise routine is weight loss and toning. But more and more, people are recognising the benefits of exercising not only on physical health but also mental health.
In our fast-paced, digital lifestyle we have less human connection and face pressures from social media and other stresses. Withs that, there has been an increase in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Having worked in the fitness space for over 15 years, I have personally experienced the benefits of regular exercise for me and my clients’ mental health. Here are a few of the key examples how:
Exercise releases feel-good chemicals and makes you feel more energised. As you exercise, several chemicals including endorphins and dopamine are released and these feel-good, motivating chemicals improve mood pretty much immediately. They help to ease conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
When you are truly present and focused, exercise can become a moving meditation. During exercise such as barre classes, you must focus on form and be present to do the technique properly. This concentration helps gives an hour break from your day. You can’t think about anything else which allows you to take a pause from any stressors. Exercise then becomes a mental break, as well as a physical break to get moving and re-energise the body and mind.
Regular exercise can help you to sleep better, in turn improving mood. The dopamine released when exercising helps regulate sleep cycles. Exercise also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, our built-in alarm clock that controls when we feel tired and when we feel awake. Physical demands on your body will also make you more tired and help you fall asleep more quickly, and gain quality REM rest.
Exercise improves memory and mental clarity. A positive domino effect, exercise helps improve your mood and sleep, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. This in turn allows you to be able to think more clearly and improves memory and mental clarity. This can result in increased performance at work as well as a general positive sense of being ‘on top of things’.
Improved body image and confidence. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you achieve movement-related goals, you also benefit from a great big mood boost. This leads to better self-esteem. When constantly challenging yourself, you start setting goals. Once you see improvement and are reaching these targets, you feel accomplished and motivated.
