How Making Time For Exercise Improves Mental Health

Posted by John Seda on July 31st, 2021

The past year has been tough on everyone, so it should come as no surprise that more Americans than ever are reporting increased levels of stress and anxiety. The good news is that there are plenty of things people can do to improve their mental health at home. Arguably the best step anyone struggling to control anxiety can take is to make a commitment to getting more exercise.

Some people feel like Making Time For Exercise isn't worth sacrificing the limited time they have for personal care. What they don't realize is that getting more exercise can actually help them feel better so they can make better use of all their time. Read on to find out how exercise improves mental health.

Lower Stress Hormones

When people encounter stressful situations, it causes their brains to release cortisol and other stress hormones. In the early days of human evolution, that was a good thing. The flood of endogenous chemicals gave early humans a much-needed boost of adrenaline and energy to get themselves out of life-threatening situations.

Today, things work a little differently. Most people are not routinely faced with life-threatening situations, but their brains may produce excess cortisol in response to minor stressors instead. Exercising blocks the production of stress hormones and releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve mood and even act as natural painkillers.

Get Better Sleep

Getting sufficient exercise during the day makes it easier to sleep better at night. Research shows that people who work up a sweat regularly have reduced sleep latency, meaning that it takes them less time to fall asleep when they go to bed. Regular exercise can also improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of insomnia, helping fitness buffs feel more energized during the day.

Both sleep and exercise are especially vital to older adults. As people age, they become more likely to experience frequent sleep disruptions, which can increase irritability and stress during the day. Getting plenty of exercise is a great way to improve sleep quality and reduce stress while simultaneously protecting against age-related diseases.

Improve Confidence

People with anxiety disorders often struggle to maintain their self-esteem and may even struggle with body image, regardless of their weight, gender, and physical features. Starting an exercise plan and sticking with it can make them feel more confident in their own bodies, which can have a beneficial impact on their overall mental wellbeing. There's no need to be a bodybuilder, either, since even 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise is often enough to build strength, endurance, and self-confidence.

The Bottom Line

Reduced stress is just one of the many benefits of exercise. People who engage in regular physical activity are also at a lower risk of developing many common health conditions, including both diabetes and heart disease. Even if the thought of starting a new exercise routine feels intimidating, the long-term benefits will be worth any initial discomfort.