When you think about the benefits of exercising, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the many benefits for your physical health, affecting many of the different muscle systems and organs of the body – the heart and cardiovascular system, for one – but do you know about the benefits for your mental and emotional health? Studies have proven this link and people are starting to realize they don’t actually need to exercise for hours a day in order to reap these benefits.
A Scientific Connection Between Exercise and Mental Wellness
According to some studies, participating in exercise activities that fall under the ‘mild to moderate’ category can actually have similar positive effects on a person as to what taking an antidepressant would have, without the side effects and risks those medicines may have.
Some studies have focused on walking and running, perhaps as these activities can be done solo without a lot of gear – just a good pair of shoes and some compression socks for running shoes would be perfect for a beginner.
A Harvard University study recently showed that running for just a quarter of an hour, or walking for a full hour, daily, could decrease a person’s risk of developing depression by 26%, which is quite significant.
Another study showed that half an hour of moderate activity, even broken up into 10-minute intervals, just for three days a week could benefit one’s mental health substantially. This should be encouraging for those who desire to start a new routine but feel pressed for large blocks of time.
Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health
Exercise can help manage a variety of mental health disorders, including and certainly not limited to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- ADHD
- PTSD
Other benefits include:
- Facilitating better sleep and falling asleep faster
- Fostering positive self-image
- Building confidence and self-esteem as goals are met
Exercise has been said to directly affect the brain, and science is still learning just how related everything physical and mental inside our bodies. Some of the benefits include that exercise increases endorphins, boosts mental energy and focus, and boosts dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels. Exercise on a regular basis has been linked with developing mental resilience, which is defined as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress - ‘bouncing back’ from difficult experiences” according to the American Psychological Association.
How the Body and Brain Connect over Exercise
The brain and the body’s wellness are not separate entities. Perhaps you’ve been so anxious about something before that you’ve felt physically ill. While worry can cause muscle tension, insomnia, heartburn, stomachache, and even diarrhea – exercise can help avoid or release those physical stress symptoms. The exhaustion, overwhelming feeling, hopelessness, critical inner voice, and pain challenges that anxiety and depression bring may make adding an exercise routine seem to be adding just another thing to manage, instead of revealing that exercise is part of the solution to feeling whole.
Support Your Physical Body While You Improve Your Mental Health
The good thing is there are many different exercises that fall under the aerobic exercise category: brisk walking, jogging, running, swimming, cycling, gardening, hiking, dancing, and kickboxing are just a few examples – all of which bring the extra benefits of better mental health when engaged in regularly.
No matter what exercise you choose, Physix Gear Sport has the best products you need to give you the best support during your workouts, including compression socks and compression sleeves. Wearing compression socks or sleeves can boost your confidence, and they come in a variety of colors.
Compression socks and sleeves work by increasing the blood flow to your legs which prevents injury, fatigue and promotes quick recovery. Click here to order and try them risk-free as you start an exercise routine that will benefit both your mind and your body! Send anything back that doesn’t fit your needs for a full refund!