{"id":7078,"date":"2020-11-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fitroots.co.uk\/5-ways-exercise-improves-our-mental-health\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T11:35:28","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T11:35:28","slug":"5-ways-exercise-improves-our-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fitroots.co.uk\/5-ways-exercise-improves-our-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways Exercise Improves Our Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
It has become more apparent to us how exercise helps our mental health. Because let\u2019s face it, we are not programmed robots that function based on some algorithm.<\/p>\n
Our bodies and minds are intricately connected in ways that we don\u2019t yet understand fully.<\/p>\n
That said, we are beginning to understand more about the science of mental health. This understanding gives us some understanding of how to reduce anxiety, depression and negative moods by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.<\/p>\n
When did health become so segmented? We have one solution for our physical health, another for our mental health and the list goes on.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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As we dive into the second week of Lockdown 2.0, the media talk about a national mental health crisis. That is on top of a financial crisis and a pandemic, and of course our usual stress and worries of everyday life. No wonder that (according to a research by a mental health charity Mind) 60% of adults reported a decline in their mental health during lockdown.<\/p>\n
But what about our children? Often, they might be forgotten as if mental health issues didn\u2019t really affect them too much, because after all, they are just kids and have no \u201creal\u201d problems, right?<\/p>\n
Do you remember when you were twelve years old and your best mate was grounded so he couldn\u2019t come hang out? Or when you overheard your parents argue? Or when you didn\u2019t have enough pocket money to buy those trainers all the cool kids had? Those were real<\/em> problems, as real as all the adult problems you have now. Every day, kids fight inner battles that are as important to them as your adult struggles are to you, if not more.<\/p>\n Children do suffer mental health issues and I dare to say that their mental health is even more significant because they are at the stage of their lives when they are forming views and opinions, and trying to make sense of the world around them and their place in it.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t As if that was not enough, nowadays, they have to follow a one-way system in school corridors, can\u2019t mix with their mates from other classes, and are constantly reminded to sanitise their hands and pull their face masks up.<\/p>\n That sounds like a dreadful time indeed!<\/p>\n Regardless whether you are an adult or a not-yet-adult, life is tough, and life in lockdown is even tougher. So how does one handle it all?<\/p>\n As someone who won a battle with anxiety, I can share my (not really secret) recipe. It is very simple \u2013 exercise.<\/p>\n Yes, that<\/em> simple!<\/p>\n Surely exercise cannot be the answer to the hardships of lockdown and the despair it often brings?<\/p>\n But it is!<\/p>\n Why?<\/p>\n Do you think your mental wellbeing could do with a health check?<\/p>\n Is more exercise something you could benefit from?<\/p>\n Try to see exercise as part of your routine rather than a chore that you have to do. Positive vibes around our wellbeing will help you in the long run.<\/p>\n With this in mind here are 5 ways exercise can improve our mental health.<\/p>\n During exercise, your body produces endorphins \u2013 neurotransmitters that reduce the perception of pain, are natural mood boosters and make you feel more optimistic.<\/p>\n Do a workout and if you don\u2019t feel better by the end of it, i\u2019ll eat my boxing gloves!<\/p>\n The \u201cfeel-good\u201d chemicals simply won\u2019t allow you to feel down.<\/p>\n By the way, there are other ways to activate endorphins such as laughing, meditation, or (I probably should keep this a secret) eating chillies or chocolate. Hey, easy on that Dairy Milk!<\/p>\n During physical activity, chemicals are released which supress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that cause stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n There is a study<\/a> that suggests that exercise can act as a substitute for antidepressant drugs. According to the research, exercise was found to be \u201cequally effective\u201d. Mind-blowing!<\/p>\n Imagine going to your GP with depression and the doctor asks you: \u201cWould you like me to prescribe antidepressants, or a brisk walk five times a week?\u201d<\/p>\n You know the feeling of being overwhelmed and having a lot on your plate?<\/p>\n Try feeling like that during an exercise session. You can\u2019t! When exercising, your brain focuses on what your body has to do (especially when you are learning a new martial arts move) so it has no time to worry about anything else.<\/p>\n Hence, exercising is a nice break for your tired brain. It is the best and the most productive way to break the cycle of feeling worried and unhappy.<\/p>\n
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Schools In Lockdown<\/h4>\n
5 Ways Exercise Improves Our Mental Health<\/h2>\n
1. Exercise improves mood <\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Exercise reduces anxiety and depression<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Exercise is a distraction<\/strong><\/h3>\n