Exercise is not only great for your body but also a proven mood booster as well. Research published by the National Institute of Health suggests that physical exercise is just as valuable to the brain as it is for the body. Engaging in exercise can help reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, boost self-esteem, minimize stress, and enhance cognitive functioning.
While we cannot literally run away from our problems, we can move our bodies to give our brains a boost. Here are five ways that movement and exercise can benefit mental health.
Sharper Memory and Thinking
The endorphins released during exercise not only help you feel better—they help you think better, too. Mental sharpness, better concentration, and improved memory are only a few of the cognitive benefits of movement.
In addition, movement increases oxygen throughout the body, including the brain. As the blood circulation in the brain improves, so will mood and cognitive thinking. Research has also shown a correlation between movement and the prevention of age-related cognitive decline.
Improves Sleep
The best way to ensure that you get a good night of sleep is to stay active during the day. Engaging in physical activity during the day boosts the amount of time spent in a deep sleep at night. When you spend more time in a deep sleep, you are spending more time in a restorative sleep cycle, which helps boost your immune system and manage stress and anxiety.
Boosts Mood
By working out you are enhancing chemicals in the brain – like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine – all of which are associated with an improved mood and decreased stress. In addition, when we move, we raise our heart rate, which causes our body to release endorphins. Endorphins not only give you more energy, but they can significantly boost your mood as well.
Furthermore, endorphins have immune-boosting and pain-relieving effects. Endorphins are often lower in those who suffer from chronic pain and depression. Adding a walk into your daily routine can help improve your mood and help manage your condition.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
In addition to releasing endorphins to boost mood, exercise can also replenish GABA – a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in how the body responds to stress. Regular exercise not only reduces stress but can also prevent depression.
Improves Energy
Exercise is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, which will also give you more endurance throughout the day. More endurance makes it easier to live your life and participate in activities that you enjoy. An increase in energy is a great way to naturally improve your mood.
While there are many benefits to movement and physical activity, it is important to seek additional treatment or information if you continue to suffer from treatment-resistant depression or chronic pain. Ketamine infusion therapy may be able to help give you the results you need to continue working towards a healthier you.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics
Our Modesto, CA ketamine clinic offers ketamine infusions for a variety of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Our first priority is the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of our patients. We will help point you in the direction of health and wellness, whatever direction that may be.