How exercise improves mental health

Musa

Many people hit the gym or pound the pavement to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and of course, get a rockina�� bod, but working out has above-the-neck benefits, too.

For the past decade or so, scientists have pondered how exercising can boost brain function . Regardless of age or fitness level, studies show that making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits.

Get inspired to exercise by reading up on these unexpected ways that working out can benefit mental health, relationships, and lead to a healthier and happier life overall.

1. Reduce stress
Rough day at the office? Take a walk or head to the gym for a quick workout. One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Working up a sweat can help manage physical and mental stress.

2. Boost happy chemicals
Slogging through a few miles on the a�?mill can be tough, but ita��s worth the effort! Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happinessA� and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed . For this reason, docs recommend that people suffering from depression or anxietyA� pencil in plenty of gym time. In some cases, exercise can be just as effective as antidepressant pills in treating depression.

3. Improve self-confidence
Hop on the treadmill to look (and more importantly, feel) like a million bucks. On a very basic level, physical fitness can boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image. Regardless of weight, size, gender, or age, exercise can quickly elevate a persona��s perception of his or her attractiveness, that is, self-worth.

4. Enjoy the great outdoors.
For an extra boost of self-love, take that workout outside. Exercising in the great outdoors can increase self-esteem even more. Find an outdoor workout that fits your style, whether ita��s rock-climbing, hiking, renting a canoe, or just taking a jog in the park. Plus, all that Vitamin DA� acquired from soaking up the sun (while wearing sunscreen, of course!) can lessen the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.

5. Prevent cognitive decline
Working out, especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.

6. Alleviate anxiety
The warm and fuzzy chemicals that are released during and after exercise can help people with anxiety disorders calm down. Hopping on the track or treadmill for some moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety sensitivity . And we thought intervals were just a good way to burn calories! a�� Online.

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