By Mitch Rice
Mental health problems not only disrupt everyday activities but may also affect productivity at work. Today, most companies promote mental health awareness in the workplace by providing counseling, implementing work flexibility and proper delegation of tasks, and even outsourcing other aspects of the business to avoid burnout.
In the pursuit of non-pharmacological treatments for mental health, some studies have suggested that physical activity plays a crucial role in managing mild mental health conditions. These mental issues include depression and anxiety.
A research review of studies done using a brain MRI suggested that physical activities, like aerobic exercises and fitness, impact brain structures sensitive to neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, researchers observed general fitness to have a universal cerebral effect.
In support of this proposition, another study has noted that resistance and aerobic exercises may enhance mood state.
Doing at least an hour of house chores or errands and at least 15 minutes of high-intensity exercises may help avoid depression.
Exploring mental health treatments has brought out the purported benefits of physical activities in reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing mental alertness, and enhancing confidence.
Benefits of Physical Activities on Mental Health
There is growing research on the benefits of physical activities to a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
Scientific reviews showed that regular physical activities are a psychosocial rehabilitation strategy for people with severe mental illness.
In addition to this, physical activities are also used to promote well-being and mental health.
These activities could be a good option if you are still hesitant to try out therapies and other pharmacological treatments for your mental well-being.
Physical activities may do the following for your mental health:
Reduce Stress
Physical activities or daily exercises lower the body’s stress hormone levels and stimulate endorphin production. Endorphins are brain chemicals known to be the body’s natural pain killer and mood booster.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed that physical activities can help reduce short-term anxiety in adults.
Exercise stimulates communication between your sympathetic and central nervous system, resulting in an improved response to stress.
Improve Sleep
Since exercise is known to induce weight loss, it can also reduce obstructive sleep apnea, a condition when breathing stops involuntarily during sleep.
Moreover, aerobic exercises have been shown to enhance a person’s slow-wave sleep or deep sleep. This type of sleep encourages body and mind rejuvenation.
Doing physical activities increases body temperature, resulting in a calmer mind and a more well-regulated circadian rhythm.
Increase Mental Alertness
Staying active induces oxygen and nutrient delivery to various brain tissues that help you stay focused and enhance your concentration. Physical activity also stimulates neurogenesis or new brain cell production.
Enhance Confidence
Improved self-esteem comes with the drop of your weight as you exercise daily. Working out increases your stamina and strength and enhances your self-image.
Following an exercise routine is a great way to practice discipline. It also encourages you to have a sense of control over your body.
Physical Activities That Can Boost Mental Health
According to the Mental Health Foundation, doing moderate-intensity physical activities is recommended for adults. You should do these exercises 30 minutes daily for a week.
To get started on a fitness regimen, decide what type of physical activity you would like to engage in. It may be a task that you do every day at home or exercises that you can do with your friends or family.
Below are some examples of physical activities you can do to improve your mental wellness.
- Engaging in sports
- Brisk walking
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Doing chores
- Gardening
- Cycling
- Stretching
- Dancing
Consider your current physical health when you do these activities. Talk to your doctor before performing any of these exercises, especially if you have health concerns or other afflictions.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
