Exercise is one of the most effective ways for managing mental health. Exercise can essentially help to reshape your way of thinking and perception of the world around you.
Here’s how:
MORE OXYGEN!
The brain uses about 3x more oxygen than muscles. A lack of oxygen to the brain can results in lower levels of brain function. Exercise helps to increase blood flow to the brain. This promotes more oxygen in the area and increases neural productivity.
ENDORPHIN & HORMONAL RELEASE
During exercise the brain releases dopamine and offsets the release of Adrenalin and cortisol. This helps to reduce anxiety, promote better moods, improve sleep patterns and appetite regulation.
NEW BRAIN CELLS
Regular exercise increases neuroplasticity (development of new brain cells). Leading a sedentary lifestyle can have the opposite affect, causing the cells to shrink from a lack of stimulation.
LESS STRESS
With the increase in endorphins comes the knock-on effect of less stress and feeling happier overall. As exercise helps to decrease cortisol production, the more frequently & consistently you exercise, the better your stress levels will be.
IMPROVED MEMORY
Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory & thinking skills. Exercise helps the hippocampus in the brain to grow. The hippocampus is at the core of the brain’s learning and memory systems. As exercise helps this area grow, that explains its memory boosting effects.
SHARPER FOCUS
Immediately following exercise, problem solving, focus and attention is much sharper.
COMMITMENT TO GOALS
As exercise improves the brains ability to focus and retain information, those who exercise regularly are more likely to sick to and achieve their goals.
IMPROVED BRAIN FUNCTION
Better brain function can aid in relieving stress, improve memory, help with sleep quality and improve mood overall. Regular exercise has a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD and much more.
INCREASED INSULIN SENSITIVITY
Insulin doesn’t only affect weight and metabolism, it also affects memory and cognitive function. Insulin helps to control hunger signals and regulate appetite, both of which are improved with exercise.
DISEASE PREVENTION
Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight and reduce risk of depression, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Exercises affect on brain function can also help ward of disease like Alzheimers and Dementia.
Take Away:
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More oxygen = better brain function
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Your mood will improve
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You will be able to manage stress better
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Your creative thinking and problem solving will improve
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You will remember things better
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You will lower your risk of developing many disease as you get older
