Exercise provides a mental health benefit that is just as important as it gives the body muscle health, as it makes you feel good regarding yourself, and reduces stress and depression.
There is no one type of exercise that is specifically regarding promoting mental health, which means you have the flexibility to find something that works for your life, and there is no barrier to getting started.
Walking
For many people, walking is more of a mentally healthy exercise than a physical one.
Walking is one of my favorite things because it does not require conditions to practice it, and you can do it anywhere.
Walking can help relieve stress, ease symptoms of anxiety, and promote positive thoughts.
And if you want to get the best results, you can walk outside and enjoy the green spaces, as a number of studies indicate that walking is the most important natural practice to reduce anxiety.
The march need not be long; Studies show that walking for 15 minutes can reduce the risk of depression by 26%.
running
If you’re looking for a more intense form of exercise for mental health, try running.
And our brains are filled with endorphins, which boost our mood when we’re running, it’s what people call a runner’s high.
Studies have found that outdoor exercise is an effective alternative treatment to antidepressants.
Consistent running can also facilitate and improve sleep quality, which is essential for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
strength exercises
Try strength training if you want the added benefit of building muscle while boosting your mental health, and to reduce your risk of depression or relieve existing symptoms.
This is on top of getting the satisfaction that comes with achieving your strength and muscle building goals.
And strength training does not necessarily mean going to the gym and lifting weights, you can easily build strength at home using free weights, resistance bands and your own body weight.
yoga
Not only does yoga help move your body, it also gives you an opportunity to think and meditate.
This is why yoga is one of the best exercises you can do to boost your mental health. Focusing on your breathing can eliminate bad mental health habits like thought loops and negative thinking.
Controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, putting you in a relaxed state, and it does this by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
The parasympathetic nervous system is the counterpart to the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s fight-or-flight response. When you have anxiety, your sympathetic nervous system turns on, even when there is no danger.
Variety is one of the best features of yoga, you can choose the type you like to do from calm to more physically demanding type.
