Since exercising is mainly a physical endeavor, most people associate its health benefits with physical benefits. These may include losing weight, strengthening your heart or improving endurance.
However, most people do not realize that regular exercise can improve both mental and emotional health, as opposed to just physical health.
Besides making you feel good and keeping you in-shape, exercising daily also can boost brain function. Here are some of the different ways that a daily exercise routine can sharpen your mind:
Reduces stress
A quick walk or run relieves your body of tension and reduces feelings of stress or anxiety.
Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression
Exercising and sweating releases chemicals called endorphins, which cheer you up and boosts your spirits.
Increases energy
Exercising is a great way to wake up your body, as you feel more alert and attentive afterwards.
Increases productivity
The energy boost you get after exercising greatly increases your focus and mental acuity, which allows you to concentrate harder.
Improves brain power
Studies show that exercising reduces the impact of aging on the brain. Regular exercise can help you improve your memory, and make it easier for you to learn new things.
Improves sleep
By wearing your body out during the day, you drastically reduce the time it takes for you to fall asleep.
In today’s busy work environment, we often forget about our mental or emotional well-being, despite their importance in our daily functions. Exercising gives us the ability to focus on just that.
The benefits I mentioned here can help improve our self-esteem and help us become the best version of ourselves.
Take steps now to experience all the health benefits that come with an active lifestyle. If you are unsure on what to include in your exercise plan, be sure to talk with your primary care provider.
Tags: Health