People often look to exercise for improving physical health, although numerous studies have identified that there are also benefits of exercise for mental health.
With almost half of all Australians experiencing a mental health illnesses in their lifetime, it’s an important topic to understand. Here’s a greater insight into the benefits of exercise for mental health.
Happy Hormones Increase
Regular exercise increases your body’s serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. During exercise, your body also releases a high level of endorphins. Known as the ‘happy hormone’, it’s the body’s natural painkiller and is said to improve mood and energy.
Stress Levels Drop
Exercise provides an outlet for tension. It also gives the body energy. Couple this with all the happy hormones and you have a great recipe for tackling stressors.
Improved Sleep
Exercise helps to tire and relax your body. This assists you to fall asleep faster, sleep deeper for longer and wake up refreshed and energised. Sleep is essential for mental health. Studies have linked a lack of sleep not just as a side effect of mental health, but as a major contributor.
Better Cognitive Function
When you exercise, blood flow increases to the brain, providing it with oxygen and important nutrients. This is what helps your brain to function at its best. Often mental health is associated with brain fog (thinking in slow motion and being easily distracted). Improved cognitive function may help reduce these symptoms and give you more clarity on your thoughts. It may also help improve memory.
Confidence and Self-Worth Skyrockets
Suffering from a mental health illness will have a negative impact on your confidence and self worth. By exercising you have a better perception of your body-image, along with increased happy hormones, social interaction and better cognitive function, everything you need to help improve the way you see you.
Increased Social Time
Hiding away in a safe place is where your brain may tell you to go when affected by mental illness, but doing the opposite and venturing into more social situations will do you a world of good. Exercise often is set in group situations, encouraging interaction with other people. This helps to decrease loneliness and feelings of isolation. At Rejuvenate Pilates we encourage community and have a really supportive network of clients and trainers. We pride ourselves on offering a safe and comfortable space.
Overall the benefits of exercise for mental health are vast and wide.
We’re here to happily help you through your pilates journey, right from the start, to reach your goals. Take the first step to be the best version of yourself and contact Rejuvenate Pilates here.
