The Impact Exercise Has On Mental Health
Are you one of those people that believe exercise is just a way to burn calories and get in shape? If so, then you’re missing out on some of the biggest benefits of working out.
Exercise has a huge impact on mental health, and it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
In fact, there are many reasons why everyone should make sure they’re getting enough exercise, regardless of their weight or fitness level. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing effects exercise can have on your mind!
What Exercise Does for Your Body
When most people think of exercise, they think of it as a necessary evil. It’s something that you have to do in order to stay healthy, but it’s not always enjoyable. What many people don’t realize is that exercise has a lot of benefits beyond just staying healthy.
One of the main benefits of exercise is that it can help to improve your self-esteem. People who take part in regular physical activity tend to have a higher level of physical self-worth, improved body image, and a higher level of self-esteem. This is likely due to the fact that exercise helps you to look and feel your best.
Another great benefit of exercise is that it can help to increase energy levels. A 2013 study found that exercise participation enhances feelings of energy and increases self-perceived energy compared to non-active controls. This is likely due to the fact that exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good.
Research has also shown that exercise greatly benefits patients who have difficulty sleeping and improves the overall quality of their rest. This is likely due to the fact that exercise helps to tire you out physically and mentally, which can lead to a better night’s sleep.
What Does Exercise Do for Mental Health Illnesses?
Mental health illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, can be debilitating conditions that impact all areas of a person’s life. Fortunately, exercise has been found to be an effective treatment for these conditions.
Exercise has a number of benefits that make it an ideal intervention for mental health conditions. Exercise is associated with improved physical health, increased levels of well-being and self-esteem and increased social connectedness. In addition, exercise has been found to be as effective as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Given the many benefits of exercise, it is no surprise that it is an effective treatment for mental health illnesses. If you are struggling with a mental health condition, consider incorporating exercise into your treatment plan. You may find that you feel better both physically and mentally after starting an exercise program.
Exercise and Addiction
Exercise can play an important role in addiction recovery. It can help reduce cravings, improve withdrawal symptoms and attenuate triggers. Additionally, exercise can help individuals resist urges to use other substances.
While the evidence for exercise as a stand-alone treatment for addiction is more mixed, there is growing evidence that it can be an effective intervention when used in conjunction with other treatments. For example, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in combination with exercise.
If you are struggling with addiction, it may be worth considering incorporating exercise into your recovery plan. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how exercise could be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Jonas Hill Hospital & Clinic, a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital provides our community with safe, dignified and integrated care for adult patients experiencing an acute mental health need. We provide hope, treatment, and healing through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, team-based medical care, and education provided by engaging and dedicated professionals in a safe and healing environment. Contact us today for more information. A safe space to heal.