How Physical Activity Affects Mental Health
The Connection Between Physical Fitness and Mental Health
Everyone knows that exercising is good for your physical health. However, there are also other benefits. For instance, did you know that physical fitness affects mental health as well? It’s true! Physical fitness is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. Yes, physical activity affects your mental health in positive ways.
Here are a few reasons why.
Exercise Helps Reduce Stress
One of the main ways how physical activity affects mental health is that it helps reduce stress, leaving you feeling less anxious and more positive. That’s because exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. This helps you feel more positive and generally improves your mood.
Physical Activity Helps You Sleep Better
It’s hard to be happy or upbeat when you’re tired. The good news is that exercise can help tire you out and help you get a better night’s sleep.
For instance, exercising in the morning can stimulate the release of melatonin in the evening, which makes it easier to fall asleep. Exercising in the afternoon has been shown to help reduce wakefulness at night, helping to improve the quality of your sleep so you wake up feeling more refreshed.
Exercise Reduces Tension
Another way that physical activity affects mental health is that it can ease tension and pain in your body. When you exercise, you help improve range of motion and ease tightness and tension in your muscles. This not only helps you feel better physically, but it also improves your mental health.
If you’re in pain or discomfort, that can drag down your mood and leave you feeling unwell. Exercising can help improve your physical situation and that can clear your mind and leave you feeling happier and more positive.
Physical Activity Can Be a Great Way to Socialize
In addition to the other benefits, physical activity affects mental health because it can be an excellent way to socialize. Getting together with friends to play a sport, go for a jog, hike in the woods, or do other physical activity is an excellent bonding experience that will help improve your mood.
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