You’ve undoubtedly heard that physical activity is good for our mental health. Folks often say that exercise keeps depression at bay, makes us more confident, and reduces anxiety. Active individuals also seem happier and more optimistic about life.

But how accurate are these claims and is there a genuine connection between training and mental health? More importantly, what makes exercise so beneficial for our mental health?

Let’s review.

Does Training Improve Mental Health?

An overwhelming number of studies would suggest so. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, makes us happier, and boosts our well-being.

Data even shows that exercise is an effective treatment for individuals who already have depression. In other words, introducing physical activity can help people overcome depression and lead happier lives.

How Physical Exertion Improves Mental Health (5 Possible Reasons)

1. It Helps us Blow Off Steam

Stress is an inevitable part of life. There will always be errands to run, emergencies to fix, and unexpected issues to resolve. The problem is, dealing with stressors every day can have a cumulative effect and contribute to chronic stress, which increases the risk of depression, contributes to poor mood, and saps our motivation.

Physical activity is challenging, but it offers one huge benefit: it allows us to blow off steam, making us feel more relaxed and better able to handle many of life’s stressors.

2. It Improves Serotonin Production

According to research, exercise is good for our mood and mental health because it promotes serotonin production. Serotonin is a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a role in subjective mood, well-being, and feelings of happiness.

3. It Floods The Body With Endorphins

One of the most talked-about mechanisms related to physical activity and mental health is endorphin production and release. Endorphins are opioid hormones that primarily work to suppress physical pain.

But, research shows that hormones also contribute to feelings of well-being and euphoria. The popular runner’s high is proposed to occur precisely thanks to a large number of endorphins released into the bloodstream.

4. It Leads to More Restful Sleep

As mentioned above, exercise promotes serotonin production, which explains some of the positive effects we experience from being active. But, thanks to this exact mechanism, training can also lead to more restful sleep.

Aside from promoting well-being, serotonin plays a role in melatonin synthesis, a hormone responsible for sleep, relaxation, and reduced alertness. Improved melatonin production promotes sleep anticipation in the evening and leads to longer and more restful sleep.

Aside from its many benefits for our health, sleep is also vital for our mood, well-being, and mental health. Sleep deprivation is linked to anxiety, depression, and pessimistic thoughts.

5. It Boosts Our Confidence

Confidence is something everyone struggles with from time to time. The problem is, low self-esteem can make us less decisive and more likely to seek comfort through escapism, binge eating, and more. Leading such a life might seem good, but lacking purpose and self-belief can ripen into regret and depression.

Regular physical activity can be helpful because it improves our confidence and helps us reach goals. As a result, we feel better about ourselves and develop belief in our abilities. More importantly, we understand that hard work pays off, so long as we stay consistent and trust the process.

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