Mental Benefits of Exercise Mental
Benefits
of Exercise
- The health benefits of exercise on the cardiovascular system are proven
in extensive studies. No one really questions whether exercise is good
for the heart. However, the benefits of exercise on brain function are
less known and not often discussed by the general public.Exercise has a profound positive impact on the way the brain works including treating or preventing illnesses associated with the mind such as depression, insomnia, mental alertness and mental fatigue. Each one of these benefits will be discussed below. Hormones and Blood Flow Regular
exercise makes you feel good. It induces the release of many hormones
such as endorphins that create a sense of well-being, happiness and reduce pain.
Exercise also causes more oxygenated blood to be delivered to the brain. This extra oxygen allows the brain to function at a "higher capacity". Indeed you may find that several hours after exercise, you are more productive at your work. Some people opt to go to the gym during their lunch break for a quick workout. Depression and Other Mental Health Clinical
studies show that 30 minutes of exercise three times weekly can
eliminate depression in 60% of depressed people. This means that they
no longer have to take prescription antidepressants or only need to use a lower dose.
There is even some evidence to suggest that keeping the mind active by engaging in meaningful activities might prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Anxiety and Stress Regular
exercise trains your body to better adapt to physical and mental stress and anxiety. Exercise induces the production of various neurotransmitters that are needed for the body to cope.
Better Sleep at Night Those
who engage in regular exercise seem to sleep better at night. This may
be due to the effects of the hormones released by exercise.
Others have suggested that it is because exercise causes your physical body and the brain to be fatigued so as to make them want to recover when you sleep. Thus, you are more likely to go into deeper sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, perhaps consider some form of light exercise regularly to see if it helps. Anti-Aging Benefits Exercise seems
to have a positive effect on the health of nerve cells and may be
linked to extending their life. It may cause the release of
antioxidants that can further protect cells from free radical damage.
Mental Attitude towards Healthy Eating Those
who engage in a regular exercise program tend to watch what they eat
much more closely. The mental benefits of exercise include programming
your brain into thinking and taking actions such as
eating foods that are healthier.
Bottom Line Some productivity and efficiency experts such as Stephen Covey and Anthony Robbins believe that what exercise does to the mind is more significant than what it does to physical health. They may be right. The mental benefits of exercise are often not considered by those who exercise regularly. It is never too late to start an exercise program even if you are older. Now that you know, don't you feel even better about exercising regularly? 
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