It’s no secret that staying fit is good for your body. But working out doesn’t just help tone and strengthen your body; it can have a mighty impact on your mind as well. The American Psychological Association suggests that exercise can contribute to mental health by increasing serotonin and positively stimulating proteins to support growth and mirror the effects of antidepressants. Regular exercise can also help regulate sleep for mental development and overall health.
Check out these exercises to stay on top of your mental health and work through issues like anxiety and depression:
Running
One of the most budget-friendly workouts, running is an age-old way to improve your mental and physical health. You’ve probably heard of the “runner’s high,” a natural alternative to the damaging effects of chasing euphoria from substances. This endorphin-releasing activity enables you to get fit while relaxing your mind and focusing on personal distance or speed goals — or simply moving for fun. Plus, running outdoors can connect you with nature in ways that can both calm and comfort you. Sign up for a 5K race, or just jog a mile at the gym to get those endorphins pumping and potentially ward of issues like depression and anxiety.Walking and Hiking
Like running, walking regularly can help improve your overall health. The Fitbit-induced walking craze isn’t just a trend, though. Walking and hiking can help you refocus your thoughts and realign with what’s really important. A study published in 2015 touts the additional benefits of nature walks, as participants displayed decreased anxiety and increased positivity after spending 50 minutes walking outdoors. If you’re looking to destress, a daily walk through the park or the woods can help you shift gears.Dancing
While you might not think getting your groove on is a way to exercise, it’s a bonafide workout that can make you feel lighter on your feet, and enlighten your mind. Memorizing dance routines or trying new steps can help keep your mind sharp, while the physicality can release endorphins for positivity and excitement. Dancing can also connect you with others to build emotional and mental relationships. Whether you’re boogying solo or waltzing with a partner, dancing is a great way to build yourself up while you’re showing off your moves.Yoga
Walk down any fitness aisle at the store and you’re sure to find a collection of yoga mats. This now-mainstream practice is good for your body and mind. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers like the The Recovery Village Palmer Lake in Colorado use holistic therapies like yoga to help clients overcome substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. This exercise helps you develop a relationship with yourself by understanding how small and large movements impact your body. One of the most dynamic aspects of yoga is the concentration on breathing. This technique is also helpful for calming nerves and balancing your mental health.Swimming
Remember when endless hours of splashing around in the pool defined your childhood? Those carefree days and asking for “just five more minutes” don’t have to be summertime memories. Getting in a few laps at the community pool or practicing your strokes in the backyard pool is a low-impact way to stay fit and focused on the positive. Because you have to focus on your breathing while swimming, it’s an opportunity to practice mindfulness, which is great for quelling anxiety and getting in tune with your body and mind.This list of exercises is far from extensive. Maybe biking helps you clear your mind. Or perhaps tennis is your top stress-relieving activity. No matter what you choose to do to keep your mind and body fit, maintaining a routine is the first step to ensuring you keep your mental health in check. By regularly exercising and keeping fit, you can help curb issues like depression, minimize anxiety, and work toward a broader understanding of self for a healthier life.
