You may consider your mind and your body to be two separate entities working in tandem. Still, the connections between the two are stronger and deeper than you might realize, particularly when it comes to mental health. In this article, fitness expert Eugene Pallisco details how your fitness and mental health routines can benefit one another.
The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
There are many ways in which physical activity, or lack thereof, can have an impact on our mental well-being. Some of them are logical, but others may come as a surprise.
Physical Activity Reduces Stress
Stress is something that begins in the mind but quickly becomes physical. It creates tension, tightness, and pain that can be relieved by getting out there and doing something physical. Once you’ve relieved that physical tension, you’ll likely find that your mental tension has eased.
Exercise Balances Hormones
Mental health struggles can often result from external sources, but sometimes, it’s a hormonal imbalance that’s causing you to feel anxious or depressed. Regular exercise helps balance out all of your hormones, boosting the production of dopamine and serotonin, two of the most important chemicals in emotional regulation.
Getting into Shape Can Boost Your Self-Confidence
Some aspects of your mental health hinge on how you see yourself. If you’re not feeling comfortable in your own skin, then it’s relatively easy to feel depressed or socially anxious. Getting out there and getting regular exercise can help you get into shape so you can start feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Exercise Can Be Fun
Recreation is one of the best things for your mental state, which means that if you can find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy, you’ll be doubling up on your efforts to improve your mental health.
Exercises That Can Be Great for Your Mental Health
According to health and fitness researcher for the University of South Australia, Doctor Ben Singh, high-intensity exercise is the most effective method for alleviating depression and anxiety. However, the doctor also states, “It doesn’t take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health.” That means you can start improving your life today with these exercises.
Running or Biking
Long and steady forms of cardio can provide mental health benefits long after the workout is over. Therefore, activities such as running or biking can also serve as a form of mind-clearing meditation.
Strength Training
Strength training helps you do more than improve your strength. In addition to carving out your physique, improving mobility, relieving back pain, and alleviating arthritis symptoms, strength training can also serve to benefit your mental health.
Yoga
Yoga can help improve your mobility, ease pain, reduce stress, and clear your mind. All of these benefits can significantly improve your mental state just as much as your physical one.
About Eugene Pallisco
Eugene Pallisco is a fitness expert and licensed trainer based in Dallas, Texas. He’s dedicated to assisting people in discovering joy and freedom in the movement of their bodies through an array of different exercise methods that serve to improve both physical and mental health.
