2023-09-12 00:02:23
Moving your body is good. The benefits of doing physical activity They are innumerable in health: control weight, prevent cardiovascular diseases, level sugar and insulin levels, strengthen bones and muscles, promote better rest and, ultimately, lengthen life. But although this is not talked regarding as much, moving helps enormously our mental health.
In these times where controlling worries and stress becomes increasingly difficult, exercising might help us face everyday life in a more positive way. And thanks to the hormones we release when we move, exercising regularly acts as a “natural antidepressant” in our body.
There are four hormones that help us maintain a good mood: oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These natural chemicals are the body’s “messengers” and travel through the bloodstream to tell our brain to feel good.
Julieta Bilbao, a graduate in Psychology and a specialist in the subject, told us that there are numerous ways to release these hormones Natural way. In addition to exercising, it is important to laugh, hug, eat foods rich in tryptophan and expose ourselves to the sun, among other things. But, without a doubt, exercising is one of the best activities we can do.
Photo on Unsplash and Unsplash.
When we move – whether doing a sport, going for a walk, running, cycling or dancing – our body releases endorphins and serotonin. The endorphins They are related to pleasure and work as an analgesic because they help relieve pain. The serotoninfor its part, is responsible for helping us maintain a good state of mind and is what is known as the “natural antidepressant” par excellence.
The effects of these happiness hormones They last in our body a certain number of hours following performing the exercise. But if we move several times a week, our daily mood can improve noticeably. Hormones do not make our problems and worries go away, but they help us feel better regarding life itself.
The study of this idea has been expanding for several decades and this year a new investigation led by Ben Singh of the University of South Australia worked on data from more than 128,000 participants and concluded that physical activity should be a fundamental approach in the treatment of depression, anxiety and psychological distress. The paper was published in the magazine British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Photo by David Dvořáček on Unsplash.
In addition to exercise, there are also other ways that help release serotonin, this “natural antidepressant.”
To meditate. If we take the time to meditate for a few minutes each day and do so by remembering or imagining happy moments, we release serotonin.
Do fun activities. Spending time with friends or consuming funny content increases our chances of laughing and laughter releases the four hormones of happiness.
Being in the sun Exposing ourselves to sunlight with the necessary citizens also helps us release serotonin.
Eat foods rich in tryptophan. This substance is a precursor to serotonin and we can only acquire it through foods such as chocolate, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds, eggs and dairy products.
In short, playing sports can help us feel better on a daily basis and avoid anxiety. However, when the symptoms of depression are severe, this activity would not be enough and it is always best to consult with a professional on the subject and follow the recommended treatment.
This content was originally published in NETWORK/ACTION and is republished as part of the ‘Human Journalism’ program, an alliance for quality journalism between RÍO NEGRO and DRAFTING
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