Not Only For Physical Health, Exercise Is Also Useful For Mental Health

Exercise is known for its benefits for physical health. But research has found that exercise also has a positive effect on mental health. It turns out that physical activity specifically affects mental health and well-being. However, this needs to be balanced by doing it regularly, and in combination with other healthy lifestyles such as consuming nutritious food and getting enough rest.

What are the benefits of exercise for mental health? Check out the following explanation.
1. Reduce stress
Exercise releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that relieve pain and stress. It also reduces levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. Studies have shown that just 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily can make people feel calmer that lasts for several hours.
2. Improve mood
With exercise, you can put aside worries and concentrate on tasks, thereby clearing your mind, calming yourself down, and helping you sleep better. Research also reveals that exercise can make you feel happy, calm, and satisfied.
3. Overcoming depression
Exercise improves symptoms of depression and reduces the risk of relapse. Exercise was found to be as effective as standard antidepressant medication. This is also related to the release of endorphins.
4. Maintain ideal body weight
Running, cycling and lifting weights are all effective ways to burn calories. Staying within the recommended weight range reduces the chances of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
5. Happier
Physical activity stimulates endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemical compounds act to improve mood.
6. Increase self-confidence
As strength, skill and stamina increase through exercise, so will self-confidence. Success in achieving exercise targets, changing body weight to be ideal, and better physical appearance can also make you have a more positive perception of yourself.
7. Improve brain performance
Exercise increases the production of a chemical in the brain called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a role in stimulating the formation of new brain cells and affecting the brain's concentration and absorption of information.

If you have been diligent in exercising but still have negative feelings, mood disturbances, or stress, you can consult with our psychologist through the mDoc application.