Exercise not only better manages stress, but actually helps to improve mood. This is due in part to the increase in heart rate that comes with exercise, which leads to a boost in serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals have been shown to help manage stress more effectively than normal methods.
Anxiety
Exercising is one of the most popular anti-anxiety treatments. It helps relieve tension and, due to endorphins released while working out, stress as well. In order to make exercising more effective, it is important to be mindful and stay in the present during your workout. This means paying attention to your surroundings and focus on how your body feels as you go through the motions. Doing this will not only help improve form but also control negative thoughts that might enter your mind mid-workout..
Depression
Depression can make anything seem impossible, even something as attainable as working out. Surprisingly, though, research has shown that exercise is an effective treatment against depression--without the negative side effects often brought on by medication. Exercise doesn't just help during episodes; maintaining a workout routine helps prevent relapses from occurring in the future.
Exercising helps reduce inflammation and promote neural growth, which bring about positive emotions like calmness and happiness. For people with anxiety, exercising also releases endorphins that can act as a distraction from the negative thoughts that lead to depression.
ADHD
For many people, ADHD can be a tough obstacle to overcome. Exercise has been shown to help increase levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain - all of which are known to improve attention span and focus. This can also lead to improved memory and motivation, making trainers feel better overall.
Stress
Tense muscles are caused by stress, which then leads to further pain in other parts of the body such as the shoulders or neck. Moreover, one can also experience cramps, chest tightness, and muscle aches. This continuous cycle of agony often results in insomnia and even heartburn.
Tension in your muscles can be painful and cause stress, but luckily, exercise is a great way to help relieve this discomfort. Endorphins are also released during exercise which contribute to peace of mind-something we could all use more of! Eating healthy is another way to reduce stress, so be sure focus on that as well.
PTSD
Data from many individuals suggests that working out on a regular basis can assist people in managing trauma more effectively. Rather than the thoughts taking over the mind and body, when exercising, using all of one's muscles provides the mind with a break from thinking too much.
Some of the better exercises to do reduce trauma symptoms are those involving full-body movement like swimming, running or dancing.
Hurdles While Working Out
Even when we want to, starting or continuing an exercise routine can be hard-particularly when mental health is already a battle.
Feeling Overwhelmed
Depression and stress can be heavyweight mental burdens, but adding the need to exercise on top of that only makes it feel like an impossible task. With an already long list of things to do, working out just feels like another impractical item to add to the bottom of the pile. The key is understanding that exercising will improve your mental state and make it easier for you power through your daily obligations.
Feeling drained and unable to function due to overexertion
After a long and difficult day, it may seem counterintuitive to go for a run or to the gym. However, working out regularly has been shown to reduce fatigue and increase energy levels. Even starting with a 10-minute walk can get your brain working and lead to an even longer workout.
Self-Criticism
Self-criticism is something that plagues us all from time to time, no matter our age, weight or circumstance. If you're looking for a way to start thinking better about yourself, it's important to find a starting point. An easy place to begin is working out with a friend - not only will this help improve your confidence levels, but it's also great for your health! And now that you know how exercise can positively impact your mood, there's nothing stopping you from leading a more active lifestyle.