Many people in the past few years are struggling with mental health issues, including bipolar, depression, and anxiety disorders. Beyond common belief, exercise is more than just an aerobic workout. Integrating exercise, large or small, into your weekly routine is a great way to naturally improve your mental health. Those who implement exercise into their routine gain an enormous sense of well-being from doing so. It has been noted that they feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, and even feel more relaxed overall throughout their lives. Although in many cases exercising alone doesn’t bring these benefits, it contributes to it. 

Regular exercise can also help depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It can alleviate stress, improve memory, and boost your mood. Don’t feel threatened - you don’t need to have a huge workout routine to reap the benefits of exercise. Even minimal amounts of exercise can make a big difference. You can learn to use exercise as a way to manage mental health problems - although it isn’t always a solution. Keep reading below to learn how exercise can help alleviate a variety of different symptoms. 

Anxiety & Depression

Studies show that running at least 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour can reduce depression by almost 30%. Exercising, even for 15 minutes, can promote changes in the brain including reducing inflammation and encouraging neural growth. It also releases endorphins, which are chemicals that can help energize. Lastly and more obviously, exercise can work as a distraction, allowing you to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. 

ADHD

Exercising is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms of ADHD and increase concentration, and motivation. Incorporating more activity into your daily life immediately boosts dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that impact focus and attention. In this sense, exercise works in similar ways as medications such as Ritalin and Adderall, but may not have as strong of side effects. That being said, in some cases exercise out alone may not be enough, so paying attention to your body and brain is important.

PTSD / Trauma 

By focusing on your body and how it feels during and after exercise, you can assist your nervous system to become “unstuck” and move out of the stress response that characterizes PTSD. Rather than letting your mind wander, you should pay close attention to the physical sensations in your joints and muscles - both internally and externally. Exercises that involve cross movement and that engage both arms and legs—such as walking (especially in sand), running, swimming, weight training, or dancing—are some of your best choices. Pulling the focus away from your inner nervous system is a great starting point to minimize PTSD.

Other Benefits

Sharper memory: Endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp.

Self-esteem: When it becomes a habit, it can increase your sense of self-worth and make you feel powerful. 

Sleep: Even short bursts of exercise in the morning or afternoon can help regulate your sleep.

Stronger resilience: When faced with challenges in life, exercise can help you build resilience and cope in a healthy way, instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors.

Contact LeAnna Sheehan 

Visit Sheehan Personal Training in Mansfield, MA to have personalized training services with the best team there is. LeAnna Sheehan is an incredible personal trainer who has personalized workouts for her clients. On top of that, she works to implement strong and realistic workout and lifestyle changes that you can bring with you throughout your life. Contact her today!