12 Mental Health Perks of Keeping a Regular Exercise Routine

Exercise doesn’t just give you a healthy, fit body. While it improves physical health and your appearance, it goes beyond that.

Regular exercise makes you feel good about yourself and gives you a sense of well-being. It can boost your energy levels and even positively affect debilitating mental conditions like anxiety and depression.

If you want to get more out of life and improve your mental health while staying fit, here are 12 perks of regular exercising that experts swear by.

Improves Depression

Depression may be the greatest deterrent to exercising regularly. Nevertheless, you must create a routine because exercise can reduce the risk of major depression by 26%.

Exercise reduces inflammation and promotes feeling calm and energized by releasing endorphins in the brain. It’s also a welcome distraction from the negative thoughts that fuel depression.

Reduces PTSD Responses

PTSD comes with many unpleasant symptoms, among which is the immobilization stress response, which causes the mind to become stuck on trauma. Exercise helps you focus on the body and how you feel, which can alleviate this response.

Try hiking, rock climbing, skiing, or biking to engage your entire body, remain focused during exercise, and avoid falling prey to trauma.

Relieves Anxiety

Exercise fills you with energy and relieves tension, which is one of the underlying causes of anxiety. If you can stay focused on the activity you’re doing as you exercise, it’s easier to stave off panic attacks.

Try mindful exercise for the best results. It will help interrupt the constant noise in your head and concentrate on the wonderful physical effects of endorphin release in the brain.

Lowers Stress

When you’re stressed, your body becomes tense, and you may experience muscle and joint pain. What better way to reduce stress and discomfort than to exercise?

Instead of worrying about physical symptoms of stress, like tension headaches and aching muscles, which create more stress, you’ll break the vicious circle and experience relaxation and peace of mind.

Reduces ADHD Symptoms

When you exercise regularly, you increase your concentration and motivation levels. Exercise tells the brain to release hormones that improve focus and attention, including serotonin and dopamine.

It’s just like taking medicine, except it’s natural and easy to do regardless of the time that has passed since your last Ritalin pill.

Sharpens Memory

Endorphins don’t just make you feel better. They can also make your mind sharper and, as we’ve seen above, help with concentration.

When you exercise routinely, you can keep your memory in great shape for longer, which is great news if you’re concerned about the prevalence of age-related mental decline conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Regulates Sleep Patterns

Do you think exercise promotes sleep because it makes you tired? That’s not exactly true.

However, exercise regulates your sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up energized daily. Even gentle exercises like yoga before bedtime can promote better sleep regularly.

Builds Resilience and Discipline

Exercise is a healthy way to cope with challenging times, unlike alcohol or risky behaviors. A healthy routine helps you cope and improves your resilience.

Besides boosting your immune system, exercise also builds mental stamina and discipline, which can change your outlook and increase your chances of leading a rewarding life.

Makes You More Social

If you struggle with social anxiety or are an introvert who enjoys doing everything alone, exercise is a way to try coming out of your shell.

When you exercise with a close friend or partner, you’ll find the motivation to stick to the routine. It will also be a fun way to feel more social and push yourself a little.

Increases Self-Esteem

Let’s face it. If you’re struggling with your weight or unhealthy eating habits caused by stress, your self-esteem is likely to be low. The good news is that once you exercise regularly, you’ll see results — from better-fitting clothes to better muscle tone.

These results are the best boost for your self-confidence and self-esteem you can hope for.

Improves Neurogenesis

Neurogenesis is the process through which new brain cells are created. Exercise doesn’t just improve memory and focus. It also improves this process and your overall brain performance.

Who knew building intelligence was as easy as finding and sticking to your favorite exercise routine? It couldn’t be easier if you tried.