Exercising Benefits Health
“Physical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual.” That is a word-for-word statement, a direct quote I have in my Declaration of Practice as a Licensed Counselor. It is always shocking to me to learn how low a regard people tend to hold exercising. It is as if they fail to see the benefits or are simply unwilling to accept the FREE improvements exercise provides. Exercise can help your body function better than it currently is, regardless of the state. It enhances your mood, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-concept no matter the issues or difficulties you are experiencing either acutely or chronically.
In the realm of Psychological and Biological functioning, exercise can change what your nervous system is telling the body. Think about it this way. Everything we deal with on a daily basis impacts our nervous system and can either move us in the direction of mental health or inflammation and mental illness. Don’t miss that; inflammation can lead to mental illness. Inflammation has been linked to psychological disorders and concerns such as, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, autism spectrum, Alzheimers, dementia, as well as cognitive impairments, just to name a few. People who exercise more have higher levels of neurotrophic factors, which are miracle growth elements for the brain. To put it simply, exercise, exercises the brain and creates a great deal of growth.
Exercise can address what your nervous system is doing by how your brain is functioning, what hormones are being released or held, and how the body manages stress. We know that stress is basically a psychological construct. We experience stress, be it internal or external, when our resources don’t meet the demands of our perceived demand. Our nervous system acts as an unconscious calculation so people that exercise more have lower stress responses to everyday stress.
Well, I am sure you’re wondering, what am I encouraging you to do? It is simple. Exercise, if you’re not already doing so, and if you are, exercise more. Daily moderate exercise benefits your physical and mental health. For example, the two most common exercise categories (in layman terms) are cardio and weight/resistance training. Cardio reduces anxiety sensitivity. Weights and resistance training improve anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance and intolerance of uncertainty.
Here are some additional benefits of exercise based on psychological difficulty. Exercise reduces depressive symptoms by reducing the relapse rate of symptoms better than medication. It increases executive and cognitive functioning, scholastic performance and decreases behavioral issues for those dealing with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For people who have experienced trauma, the brain typically functions differently, and exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with those experiences. It increases attention, processing speed, planning, organizing, memory, and goal focus behavior for those struggling with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Studies have shown that cognitive impairment can be improved, reversed, or decreased based on an individual’s ability to exercise. In individuals suffering from psychosis disorders, exercise can reduce symptoms and restore the hippocampus.
I know that was a lot to process but here is the essence of all that above information. To stay healthy and optimize your mood and brain function, incorporate cardio and weight/resistance training into your daily life. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense cardio activity or 75 minutes of vigorous weight/resistance activity per week. I would encourage you to do them both. There are benefits to both sides, there is just more research on the cardio side because it is easier to dose. Just start today! Whatever you’re dealing with, if anything, get outside and go for a walk or a quick run in your loving and safe neighborhood.
Now, I am by no means encouraging anyone to go run a marathon or to get a membership at your local gym and attempt to lift 20 times your weight. What I am encouraging you to do is to spend less time sitting and more time being active, if you’re physically able. Contact a personal trainer or start a membership at your local gym and see how consistent exercise benefits you not only physically but also mentally. If you’re a wife, join our community of WIVES WHO WORKOUT during HITT it SATURDAY! Class is EVERY SATURDAY at 9:00a. Visit the shop page to join in! We can’t wait to see you!
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Bye for now