Exercise benefits your mental health

Read Time:1 Minute, 23 Second

By Victoria Jane

I would just like to make it clear that I am not athletic by any stretch. And I would rather sit on my backside and chomp on a whole cheesecake than go for an hour’s jog in the freezing-cold rain! That said, I am a firm believer that exercise plays a necessary part when it comes to positive mental health and well being.

exercise - When you exercise, an awesome set of hormones called endorphins are released in the brain which trigger positive effects on the mind and the body.

When you exercise, an awesome set of hormones called endorphins are released in the brain which trigger positive effects on the mind and the body. These fabulous chemicals also act as an analgesic and a sedative which means that they help reduce the perception of pain whilst helping you to get a good night’s sleep.

These feel-good hormones help to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety and help to build up your self-esteem too.

You really don’t have to be an aspiring Olympian either to be able to introduce exercise into your weekly schedule. Walking outdoors in the countryside has its benefits too. Not only do you reconnect with nature, but it allows you to unwind and breathe fresh air, away from the same four walls that you have been staring at on a daily basis.

If walking isn’t your thing don’t worry as there are several other ways that you can exercise weekly and you don’t just have to stick to one thing either. If you don’t find a type of exercise that you like or feel good at doing, find something that you do enjoy and yes, this does include dancing in your living room to your favourite set of music!