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Exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re depressed or anxious, but did you know that physical activity can have a powerful effect on mental health? It’s true! The connection between mental health and physical exercise is deeply rooted in how movement affects the brain’s chemistry, structure, and overall health. Even […]
Exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re depressed or anxious, but did you know that physical activity can have a powerful effect on mental health? It’s true! The connection between mental health and physical exercise is deeply rooted in how movement affects the brain’s chemistry, structure, and overall health. Even light or moderate activity can make a noticeable difference in your mood and energy levels.
Before continuing, it’s important to note that we’re not saying you need to be a fitness enthusiast. This is more about finding sustainable ways to move your body that support emotional wellness. Physical activity has been proven to:
Boost mood – Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin to reduce anxiety and improve overall mood.
Improve sleep – It regulates circadian rhythms and promotes more restful sleep.
Enhance focus – Increased blood flow to the brain supports executive function.
Build confidence – Achieving physical goals can boost self-esteem.
Reduce stress – Lower cortisol levels improve the body’s ability to cope with stressors.
While exercise isn’t a substitute for therapy, it’s an effective complement to mental health treatment. It gives the brain a break, encourages mindfulness, and helps you reconnect with your body. With all those benefits, it’s no wonder people keep recommending it!
If you’re already dealing with depression, anxiety, or crippling stress, getting started with a new exercise routine can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—you don’t have to do it alone. A therapist can help you build motivation and create realistic goals as part of this journey, and we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule a session and see for yourself how therapy and movement can work together to support your mental health!
When most people commit to a fitness routine, they do so to improve their physical health. Perhaps they need to lose weight or find a natural way to lower their blood pressure or blood glucose. And while exercise definitely impacts a person’s physical health, it also significantly impacts their mental health as well! Here are […]
When most people commit to a fitness routine, they do so to improve their physical health. Perhaps they need to lose weight or find a natural way to lower their blood pressure or blood glucose. And while exercise definitely impacts a person’s physical health, it also significantly impacts their mental health as well!
Here are just some of the ways fitness positively impacts your mental health:
Helps to Relieve Stress
Have you heard that regular exercise is one of the best ways to beat the effects of stress? Physical activity is thought to reduce stress by reducing the levels of stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. And studies have found exercise can even make us resilient to stress.
Improves Self-Confidence
When we feel depressed, we don’t have the get-up-and-go to exercise. By not exercising, we put on weight, which can significantly decrease our confidence and self-worth. Committing to an exercise plan can help to rebuild our confidence and worth. In fact, studies have found regular exercise can contribute to improved body image.
Promotes a Better Night’s Sleep
We tend to overlook how important proper sleep is for our overall mental health and well-being. While a variety of factors can impact our quality of sleep, physical activity appears to be particularly influential. It seems exercise not only helps us fall asleep faster, but helps us stay asleep longer as well.
Improves Cognitive Functioning
And finally, exercise is also thought to boost our mental clarity and improve our memory. Those who have suffered from depression, anxiety or PTSD and CPTSD know that our cognitive function can take a hit when our mental health takes a hit.
These are just some of the ways regular exercise can improve your mental health. And of course, I also encourage you to speak to someone about the mental health challenges you are facing. Just as you often need a trainer to show you how to exercise properly, you may need a trainer to help you get into the best mental health of your life!
SOURCES:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2016/Exercise-for-Mental-Health-8-Keys-to-Get-and-Stay
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/exercise