Sure, fitness is important. But have you thought about your mental fitness? Exercise can benefit every aspect of your health, but today we will be discussing how it can be beneficial for your mental health.
I know what you’re thinking: Why would anyone who had mental health issues want to exercise? It’s true, depression makes you not want to do anything. But what happens when you are ready to stop being depressed? After all, who doesn’t want to be happy?
Someone who is ready to turn their life around and choose to be happy will literally do anything and everything to achieve happiness.
When you exercise, it releases endorphins and gives you a sense of well-being. That can solve so many different problems that people have, not just depression. It can help with:
- Anxiety
- Concentration Issues
- Addictions
- Boredom
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anger Management
- Stress
- Etc.
If you do decide to use exercise to improve your mental health, it’s important to have realistic expectations and goals. Don’t start off by running 5 miles every day or anything like that. It’s okay to start off simple! Here’s a small list of easy exercises:
- Stretching
- Swimming
- Walking
- Jogging
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Cycling
By setting realistic goals and expectations, it allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment which boosts your self-confidence. When you get that sense of accomplishment, it feels great! It makes you want to accomplish something else which usually makes you want to set a higher goal for yourself. It is okay to set higher goals, just make sure that they are realistic and achievable. The last thing you want to do is set yourself up for failure.
Exercise really is the perfect antidepressant. Not only that, but it also helps you keep your body in shape as well. And who doesn’t enjoy killing two birds with one stone, right? If you have certain mental disorders that can restrict you from doing an exercise you are interested in, chat with your doctor and see if he can help you work something out.
Here’s an infographic you can share with your friends about the mental health benefits of exercise!