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The physical and health benefits of exercise are pretty well known – improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, improved bone density, lower heart rate and decreased blood pressure, to name a few. But, can exercise improve emotional health too? The short answer is yes and here’s how:
When we exercise, our bodies produce endorphins, which in turn help to improve immunity and make us feel relaxed. Essentially, endorphins are our body’s natural ‘feel good’ mood boosters.
Some emotions that come to mind when we are tired are probably along the lines of grumpy, short tempered, easily irritated and impatient. But the great thing about exercise is that it can actually encourage a better night’s sleep. In fact, some studies have shown a 65% improvement in sleep quality amongst people who exercise for approximately 150 minutes per week.
Self-esteem is the value we put on our own worth, abilities and personal value. If you’re feeling low in energy it can often lead to a sense of lacking self-esteem.
Regular exercise makes us feel strong and more often than not, has a really positive effect on our overall self-esteem. The trick here is to choose a type of exercise that you enjoy and then committing to 20 to 30 minutes a day for a confidence boost.
When we feel any amount of stress (no matter how mild or extreme) our bodies release the hormone cortisol. If we think of cortisol as the bad guy, exercise is the hero because when we exercise, our body regulates cortisol levels while increasing concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the neurological response to stress.
When we have more energy, we’re more productive, more present and overall, have a generally higher sense of happiness. The great thing about exercise is that it actually gives us energy. In fact, studies have shown that over time, regular exercise can have a positive effect on energy levels and will improve them.
Emotions play such a huge part in our everyday lives, often without us even being aware of it. So it’s great to know that we can maintain an emotional equilibrium through physical exercise. Get active with a FREE 3 day pass at Jetts.