The Luxe Digest

Connecting ideas and people – how talk can change our lives

Some tips to improve mental health & support a positive life

Everyone knows that regular exercise is good for your body but exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Exercise isn’t just for burning calories. Regular physical activity plays an important role in mental acuteness and cognitive function, which can help support a positive outlook on life.Most of us know the many benefits of exercise but how many benefits do you know to your mental health. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better physically as well as mentally.How regular exercising improves mental healthReduces stressExercising is an effective way to break the stress cycle. As well as releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so will your mind. When you subject yourself to the stress of exercise enough, your body will eventually get better at handling the rest of life’s stressors.Self-esteemWhen you don’t feel good about your body or how you look, it’s all too easy to have low self-esteem. Exercise will make you feel stronger, more independent, and more confident. There’s nothing like a boost in confidence to increase overall happiness.Improves brain functionDuring exercise, it’s not just your muscles that receive a steady stream of oxygenated blood, but also your brain. This is why a challenging workout session can leave you feeling invigorated and mentally sharpened.Better sleepStaying active and exercising on a daily basis has been shown to improve insomnia and sleeping disorders. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.Sharpen memoryPhysical activity helps your brain stay sharp. It increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise also enhances the effects of helpful brain chemicals and reduces stress hormones.CreativityA creative boost. We know that exercise, especially aerobic workouts like running, stimulates something called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which encourages the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus (a part of the brain that is involved in emotions, learning and memory formation).Positive thoughtsWhenever you have idle time, your thoughts have more potential to become negative. Using that time for physical activity can help redirect your thinking in a more positive and mindful direction.RelaxationAny physical activity that you do helps to stimulate several chemicals in your brain that allow you to feel more relaxed.I’m sure you’ve heard countless times that exercising helps you gain energy and lose weight. Well, that is definitely true. But there are also mental health benefits to exercising, some that can be truly life-changing! Regardless of age or fitness level, making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits.Whether you need the motivation to get to the gym or to just take a brisk walk, the mental health benefits of any physical activity will have you tying up your shoelaces and heading out the door.If you are going through tough times and want to talk about it, find such counselors who care about your mental well-being at eahomecare.in/psychological-assistance