By Strategy Achievers LLC
Today, many people recognize the physical benefits of a good workout, including improving cardiovascular health and increasing strength and flexibility.
Gym memberships and fitness apps are on the rise as more people prioritize their fitness and enhance their curves. This is a positive development – there is nothing wrong with pursuing the ideal beach body. In fact, noticing changes in your body and knowing you are in control of your physique is a powerful feeling.
However, did you know there’s more to exercise than just physical health?
In our fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and depression are common, exercise can be one of the effective ways to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
As Christa Camarillo, a clinical exercise physiologist and founder of Retrain LLC, asserts, exercise isn’t just about sculpting your body; it’s about nurturing your mind and soul.
Through her many years of experience as a health and wellness coach, she supports the numerous studies that link movement to mental and emotional wellness. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have amazing effects on mental health, helping to alleviate symptoms of stress, depression, and trauma.
Letting Go of Stress and Managing Stressors
When one is going through challenges that lead to stress, the body keeps track and responds accordingly. One of the responses is that the adrenal gland produces a hormone called cortisol. Increased cortisol levels can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Regular exercise provides an outlet for stress, relaxes your body, and helps regulate cortisol levels. Additionally, every time you engage in physical activity, whether it’s a brisk walk, a workout in the gym, or a yoga session, your body releases endorphins into the bloodstream.
Endorphins are often called the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. They are neurotransmitters that interact with receptors in the brain to reduce the feeling of pain.
They act as natural painkillers and can reduce stress. The endorphins replace that kind of down feeling with feelings of happiness, leading to an uplifted mood and well-being. With time, your body increases its ability to reduce stress levels and cope with stressors.
Boost Your Mood
Exercise also stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial in regulating mood, sleep, and pleasure. Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, helps stabilize mood and promote feelings of relaxation and contentment. On the other hand, dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward.
While working out and breaking a sweat, your body increases the level of these neurotransmitters in your brain. In turn, this can manage symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you have a more positive outlook on life.
Relax Your Mind and Take Charge of Your Life
Next time you feel unmotivated to hit the road for your morning jog, remember that the workout will create more tranquility in your life. Physical activity provides a much-needed distraction from negative thoughts and worries, allowing you to focus on the present moment. Exercise reduces muscle tension and promotes deeper breathing, which helps calm the mind and gives you a sense of peace. Creating and following a routine can provide a sense of accomplishment and uplift your confidence and self-esteem. When you set and achieve fitness goals, you build your resilience and develop a greater sense of self-efficacy. Most importantly, exercise offers a sense of empowerment and control over one’s health and well-being, buffering the negative effects of stress. As Christa Camarillo emphasizes, “Taking the time to prioritize exercise is an act of self-care and self-love.” Whatever form of movement you plan to embrace, setting aside time for physical activity sends a powerful message to yourself that you are worth investing in.
Published by: Holy Minoza
