The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health
Discover how physical activity supports mental health by reducing stress, boosting energy, and improving overall well being. Learn simple ways to add movement into your daily routine.
As the weather starts getting warmer and the days get longer, we may find ourselves outside more often and have more time to engage in exercise. Our movement may look like walks in the evening, playing on a sports team, or going to a group fitness class at the gym. There are many ways to cultivate daily movement in our lives. But why is it important, and how does it impact our mental health?
Here are some potential benefits of caring for our physical health needs:
- Less stress and more focus: Movement and exercise can serve as a distraction but also, as a chance for our body to release “happy chemicals” or neurotransmitters into the brain. These chemicals can help improve our focus and concentration, while also putting us in a more positive mood.
- Provides natural energy and motivation: Exercise can increase our energy levels in a natural way due to the cellular changes that happen in our body and boost oxygen circulation. Therefore, an increase in energy can help increase our motivation to complete tasks, be productive, and work towards our goals.
- A sense of purpose or achievement: When we complete something we have set out to do, it helps increase our mood and self-esteem, and decrease stress. Exercise can create purpose in our lives by fostering a positive mindset and therefore, helping us pursue our passions.
- Improved mental well-being: Movement can serve as a distraction, hobby, and coping skill to create more positive feelings in our lives. By addressing our needs holistically, we can improve our overall well-being.
- It’s fun: Believe it or not, exercise can be fun! Exercise doesn’t have to be two hours at the gym every day. It can be a dance party at home, a walk with a friend, or a round of basketball at the local courts. Make it fun for you, so it is something you look forward to and not dread.
References:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-activity-and-mental-health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/does-exercise-really-boost-energy-levels
