The main benefit for our mental health from exercise comes from the release of endorphins in the brain. These endorphins help relieve stress and pain giving us that enjoyment and satisfaction feeling during and after exercise. Ever heard of the "runners high" - this is what it's referring to. I know I know not all of us love running but you can get the same feeling from other sports and activities.
Getting outdoors is even better
Endorphins essentially dictate how our brains feel and think about things, this positive chemical adaption happens rapidly during exercise leaving us feeling excited and improves our over all mood. Some of these endorphins are listed below;
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Adrenaline
Exercise & Serotonin
Lets look a little deeper at Serotonin, it is a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. The main function of serotonin is to stabilize your mood as well as feelings of happiness and well-being. Serotonin is targeted by most antidepressants because of the huge impact it has on the way we feel.
It has been proven that exercise helps increase the levels of serotonin in the body by boosting the amino acid that creates the chemical. It is also thought that exercise improves the rate at which serotonin is passed around the brain therefore improving its overall function in the body.
Although the main reason for this correlation is not 100% known its clear that exercise has a profound impact on the way we feel! I think its great to know that something which can take little effort, is completely natural and often free has a positive outcome for our physical and mental health.
Mental health benefits from exercise
There are many more benefits from regular exercise for your mental health too;
Energy -
Although exercise will sap your energy at the time, a prolonged routine becomes a natural way of improving your energy levels and helps prevent the lack of motivation often caused when we are sedentary.
Relax -
When you are feeling low and often not moving much you begin to develop aches and pains throughout your muscles and joints. Exercising and in particular yoga or Pilates can have a huge benefit on releasing any built up tension and discomfort.
Satisfaction -
Beginning your journey into exercise can be daunting but the feeling of accomplishment and self worth when completing goals and targets we set makes us feel good and ready for more.
A good nights sleep -
Regular exercise, especially outdoors has a huge impact on our bodys ability to regulate our sleep patterns. A good exercise routine = a good nights sleep.
Social -
There are many types of exercise and sport that require you to engage with others, overtime this can help improve depression and anxiety. It is also an opportunity to connect with people with similar interests. Try a class at a gym, 5 a side football or a walk with some friends.
How much exercise is required?
It is recommended by the NHS that adults (age 19 - 64) should aim for around 150 mins of moderate exercise each week. This can include walking, running, swimming, resistance training and more.
It can feel daunting when first starting out your health and fitness journey but always remember anything is better than nothing, start out by taking small steps and build up over time when you feel comfortable and ready. Try picking an activity you enjoy to begin with, this will be far easier to stick to and will help build your motivation.
At FrontlineFitwear we are committed to helping you enjoy the world of health and fitness whilst improving your mental health. If you ever need anything contact us at hello@frontlinefitwear.co.uk
Jack Duncan
06.01.2023
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