If you read through self-help blogs a lot, you have probably noticed a common suggestion talked about in many different topics. Exercise. If you read about anxiety, exercise is mentioned. Read about depression and exercise is mentioned. If you read about mental health, exercise is mentioned. Is exercise really that important? We are going to talk about that today.
Does Exercise Help Anxiety?
If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, adding new activities can be hard to prioritize. If that is you, know that you are not alone. It is often reported in those with anxiety, that starting a new activity can be hard. The good news is that exercise isn’t just going to a structured fitness program. There are so many different activities you can try like biking, hiking, dancing, sports, cleaning house, gardening and the list goes on and on. Maybe you could try one new activity, anything that gets your heart pumping more than your average heart rate. Below are some benefits of adding physical activity if you are someone who struggles with anxiety.
- Your thoughts will be on the activity and not your worries
- You can learn a new healthy coping skill
- Our confidence is increased as we move more
- Exercise releases good endorphins that help our well being
Our bodies are made to move and not be sedentary. When we choose a life of little movement, we are also choosing a life with higher risks of medical concerns. If you struggle with anxiety, maybe making the choice for more movement in your life could help.
What Helps Depression?
Exercise does! Did you know that in a group study amongst people who reported to suffer with depression, just adding 30 minutes of walking three times a week lowered, if not eliminated, their feelings of depression? There are many reasons that we fall into depression, but regardless of the reason, exercise helps depression. Just a change of pattern and scenery are enough for some people to recognize they feel better, less depressed. If you are someone who benefits from exercise, but you feel you need more help, you are not alone. Upstate Restorative Counseling offers counseling for depression. We are here to help. Below are benefits that people have recorded come from adding exercise to their routine to help battle depression.
- Improved self-image from reduced body fat and increased muscle tone
- Increased energy
- Reduced stress
These are just a few improvements that can be noticed when you commit to exercise. The act of prioritizing yourself can alone help with depression. Will you take that step and make time for something new in your life? It’s for your good.
Is Mental Health Improved with Movement?
Whether we suffer with depression or anxiety or another form of mental illness, exercise helps. Let’s face it, we live in a fast-paced world where information and data come in many forms. We live in a time where it is possible to have interaction face to face, online, virtual and then also the comparisons on social media. If we do not have healthy boundaries for ourselves, our mental health can truly suffer. When our mental health suffers, our overall self-suffers. Is mental health improved with exercise? Yes! Below are just a few ways that exercising can improve our mental health.
- Physical health improves mental health
- Mood improvements
- Increased energy
- Better mental processing and decision making
- More clarity in our thoughts
Along with the other ways listed in this blog to get more exercise, consider doing so with a friend. Spend time in nature or hiking with someone you enjoy. Connecting with others is a wonderful way to improve your mental health.
If you struggle with anxiety, depression or mental health issues and you have tried to help yourself, without success. You are not alone. Upstate Restorative is here to help you. Contact us today, our team of counselors have a passion to help others achieve their goals.
