Exercise does more than improve your physical health, it improves your mental and emotional health too. Exercise may help you release any pent up emotions, including stress, anger, anxiety and sadness. Exercise may also make you feel good, energized, and revitalized. According to the American Psychological Association, it doesn't matter how hard or how long you exercise, just as long as you do it.
Mood Boost
If you've ever experienced a "runner's high," then you are aware how great you feel after a good run. The same feel-good feeling occurs after any kind of intense physical activity. That is because your brain releases endorphins, which are hormones that help mask any aches and pains so that you can push through that 45-minute exercise class or heavy weight lifting workout. Endorphins are also mood enhancers, making you feel happy and refreshed even 24 hours after a workout. Plus, taking care of your health and getting in shape are serious confidence and self-esteem boosters.
Stress and Anxiety
Endorphins, as well as other brain chemicals, also release feelings of stress or anxious. These chemicals, plus the rush of fresh oxygen and blood around your system, work together to help relieve tension from your body and your mind. It also boosts mental and physical energy, which may help clear your head easier or find a solution to a problem. For maximum stress and anxiety release, spend 30 minutes on most days on some kind of aerobic activity, including running, swimming, dancing or gardening.
Depression
Exercise may help you relieve feelings of sadness, whether it's the rainy day blues or moderate levels of depression. In most cases, exercise affects the brain just like an anti-depressant. It naturally promotes the brain to release feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which combat depression. Taking charge of your health also reestablishes positive behaviors, which also helps relieve symptoms like hopelessness and despair. If you are suffering from depression, speak with your doctor about an exercise plan that will help alleviate symptoms.
Other Considerations
Anxiety, anger and stress may cause negative feelings such as a lack of energy or being run-down, which may lead to the belief that exercise will only make negative feelings worse. Exercise produces the opposite results. It makes you healthier and stronger, which makes you look and feel great. The next time you feel overcome with emotions, head out for a five minute walk and re-evaluate how you feel. If you start to feel better, keep on walking.
References
- American Psychological Association: Exercise: You Don't Have to Knock Yourself Out to Feel Good
- FitDay: Endorphins 101: A Guide to Natural Euphoria
- HelpGuide: How to Stop Worrying: Self-Help Strategies for Anxiety Relief
- Psych Central; Exercise 'Therapy' for Depression; Rick Nauert; April 2010
- HelpGuide: Supercharge Your Life with Exercise: Fun Ways to Boost Energy and Combat Stress
