Mental Health Benefits of Regular Exercise

Exercise benefits more than your body. Regular physical activity boosts your mental health, whether you are over or under 40.

Photo by Katie Dyer

Have you heard of a runner's high? The effect of exercise on your brain is that it releases neurotransmitters, which boost your mood and reduce your perception of pain. See how you feel after you work out. If you don't feel appreciably better, it may be a clue that you need more work in your workout.  

Performing body movements has also been found to naturally release stress and anxiety. Part of this dynamic is the deeper breathing that exercise requires. Moving your body helps to rid you of tension, allowing you to feel more relaxed.

You will likely sleep better if you use your body for fitness. Getting improved sleep pays lots of dividends. Your mood boosts, your focus sharpens, your ability to learn rises, you make better decisions and play well with others. An added benefit is weight management; sleep helps to regulate the hormones that signal you are hungry or satisfied.

Once you have developed a consistent exercise habit, you will notice that you feel healthier, move well, and look better too. These benefits lift your self-esteem and further improve your mood.

You will likely have more energy and interest in activities and socialization. There is a feedback loop as each improvement in mood leads to more action to enhance mood. 

Exercise for cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, mobility and flexibility, mood, sleep, self-esteem, and life enjoyment