There’s no question about it, exercise has proven mental health benefits. Just ask any life-long runner or fitness buff. Although regular exercise has numerous benefits on the cardiovascular system, building muscle and maintaining a healthy body composition, the latest research is in. Regular and consistent exercise has significant brain boosting effects as well. Not only will your brain benefit from exercise, but it will have lasting effects on your relationships, which will inevitability lead to a healthier and happier life.

 

As an amateur Ironman competitor and triathlete, I go through seasonal on and off peaks between races throughout the year. After my “A” race I usually take a few days or even weeks off to allow my body to fully recover from the rigors of training. As a result, I’ve noticed that by day three or four of having not trained, I find that my overall mood begins to decline. Not only do I notice it, but my family round me takes notice. By day seven, the effects of not training are very evident not just physically, but mentally as well. It’s quite unexplainable, but there is a marked difference in my attitude and general affect. The best way to describe it is a mild to moderate state of depression.    

 

One major impact exercise has on the brain is that it aids in daily STRESS REDUCTION. Now, when we talk about exercises there are many definitions. What initially comes to mind is going to the gym, spending long hours in a place many people are simply uncomfortable or feel out of place. In the breadth of this article we are simply equating exercise by definition as;

Any activity requiring physical effort, carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness on a regular basis that causes a physiological and biological response or adaptations.    

This can be as simple as walking 30 minutes a day or High Intensity fitness conditioning 3-5 days per week. When this is done on a regular basis our stress levels are substantially reduced. Our norepinephrine levels are increased, which help moderate the brains response to daily work related or life stress. Adhering to a daily fitness ritual will simply boost the body’s ability to cope with existing or even unexpected stressors.

 

Regularly scheduled physical fitness can boost happy chemicals. Trust me, it’s worth the toil. Endorphins are released, which elicit a heightened sense of euphoria. These chemicals have been clinically proven to alleviate symptoms of the clinically depressed. Individuals who suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety can at times avoid costly medication when instructed and followed by doctors to participate in regular exercises. In many instances, it is just as effective as antidepressants in treating depression.

 

Physical fitness has a very direct effect on one’s inner and outward SELF CONFIDENCE.
No matter how wealthy or economically disadvantaged you are, nothing makes you feels more like a million bucks than good exercise whatever level that may be. There’s no doubt when you feel your best you look your best. And when you look and feel your best the confidence exudes from every facet of your being. A positive self-image goes a long way. No matter your weight or size, your self-perception is instantaneously elevated, your self-worth is increased and naturally you being to feel more attractive.

 

As we get older our brains begin to cloud a tad. Sad, but true. Exercising can reduce the effects of aging on the brain. Alzheimer’s is one of the leading degenerative diseases of the brain. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, exercise and a good healthy diet can boost certain chemicals in the brain that can help support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and new learning.

 

The release of dopamine the “reward” chemical has profound effects on CONTROLLING ADDICTION. There is a down side to this chemical. Sex, food, alcohol or drugs can release this pleasure chemical as well and as a result we become somewhat dependent on those activities for pleasure. This is where exercise comes into play. When we participate in short intensity exercise activities, we become distracted from participating in the more harmful or negative abdications. The result is improved overall health and the loss of unwanted weight/calories. Win, win!

 

RELAXATION, individuals who participate in a daily ritual of physical activities are more relaxed and have better sleeping patters and find it easier to regulate their sleeping patterns, which again has a direct impact on your overall health and well-being. The best time to exercise is five to six hours before bedtime. When the core temperature resets to normal after exercise, the body receives a signal that it’s time to sleep.             

 

Be an INSPIRATION to others. When people around us see that we are taking time out of our very busy schedules, they usually want the same thing you’re having. They see that you have more energy, you’re usually not ran down or stressed out and not to mention, you’ll look and feel damn sexy to boot.

The benefits of sincere regular exercise are far reaching. If you are in a funk, a little jog around the block is all you may need to elevate your mood. If you are dealing with stressful situations in life, participating in a few minutes of physical activity a week can have profound effects on your psychological wellbeing, which will help you find life more enjoyable and ultimately increase your vitality.