The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Mental Health

Obesity and other health diseases such as sugar blood pressure, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease stomach issues, and Mental issues are also related to your sedentary lifestyle and your eating habits these diseases are  anxiety, stress, depression 

Aerobic workouts such as running, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing have been shown to alleviate anxiety and sadness. 3 These mood benefits are thought to be mediated by an increase in blood circulation to the brain generated by exercise and an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and, consequently, on the physiologic responsiveness to stress. 3 This physiological effect is most likely mediated by the HPA axis' contact with multiple brain areas, including the limbic system, which governs motivation and mood; the amygdala, which creates fear in reaction to stress; and the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory. 

Exercise benefits mental health by decreasing anxiety, sadness, and bad mood and enhancing self-esteem and cognitive performance. 2 Exercise has also been shown to help with symptoms.

Low self-esteem and social disengagement are two examples. 3 Exercise is especially essential in individuals with schizophrenia since these people are predisposed to obesity and because antipsychotic therapy, particularly atypical antipsychotics, carries an added risk of weight gain. 

Individuals with schizophrenia who engaged in a 3-month physical conditioning program improved their weight control and reported higher fitness, exercise tolerance, lower blood pressure, increased felt energy, and enhanced upper body and hand grip strength levels. 5 For these health advantages, thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking three days a week, is adequate. Moreover, these 30 minutes do not have to be continuous; three 10-minute walks are seen to be just as beneficial.

The following are some of the health advantages of regular exercise that every mental health practitioner should highlight and promote to their patients:

1-Better sleep

2-Heightened interest in sex

3-increased endurance

4-Stress reduction

5-Greater energy and stamina Improved mood

6-Decreased weariness, which can lead to increased mental alertness

Slimming down

7-Lowering cholesterol and increasing cardiovascular fitness

Those suffering from major mental illness might thus benefit from effective, evidence-based physical activity therapies provided by mental health service providers. Further research is needed to determine the impact of integrating such therapies with established mental health treatments such as psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Memory development, as well as mood and motivation, are all affected.

Overcoming Exercise Obstacles

Even though you know that exercise would make you feel better, taking the initial step is often easier said than done. Obstacles to exercise are extremely real, especially if you are simultaneously dealing with a mental health condition. These are some frequent roadblocks and ways to overcome them

Feeling Exhausted 

I'm completely fatigued. Working exercise appears to make you feel worse when you're fatigued, unhappy, or anxious. Physical activity, on the other hand, is a potent energizer. Regular exercise has been shown in studies to significantly decrease weariness and enhance energy levels. If you are very exhausted, promise yourself a 5-minute stroll. You'll probably have more energy and be able to walk for longer once you begin exercising.

Feeling Overwhelmed

I'm feeling really overwhelmed. The idea of adding another obligation to your already full day may seem overwhelming when you're anxious or depressed. Working out simply does not seem feasible. Finding daycare while exercising might sometimes be a challenge if you have children. You can, however, find ways to squeeze brief bouts of exercise into even the busiest schedule if you start to priorities it as a requirement for your mental health.

Feeling hopeless

You can find convenient ways to move more even if you've never worked out before.  Start out slow and do simple, low-impact exercises every day for a few minutes, like walking or dancing.

Feeling bad about yourself 

Are you your own worst critic? It's time to experiment with a different perspective on your body. No matter your weight, age or fitness level, plenty of others are in the same boat. Ask a friend to exercise with you. You can improve your self-image and gain body confidence by reaching even the smallest fitness goals.

Feeling pain

Consult your doctor about safety measures if you have a disability, a serious weight issue, arthritis, or any other injury or illness that limits your mobility. You shouldn't ignore pain; instead, when you can, do something about it. If it helps, break up your exercise time into shorter, more frequent intervals. You can also try exercising in water to ease any joint or muscle pain.