Fitness & Mental Health
Exercise has an impact on your mental health.
By Cheryl A. Patterson
Most of us know that exercise is good for us. The benefits of being active include increased energy, stronger immune system, increased muscle tone, weight loss and better overall health.
We’ve also heard about the types of health problems that can occur as a result of a lack of exercise, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity – to name a just a few, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Being inactive can have a profound impact on our physical health. However, it can also impact our mental health.
Mental health is a critical part of our overall health and livelihood. It involves our thoughts, feelings and actions, which in turn affects how we function on a day-to-day basis. Without good mental health we would have difficulty meeting the challenges of our daily lives.
Building and maintaining mental fitness includes taking care of your physical self. Exercise not only keeps you physically fit, but it has many psychological benefits as well, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). They add, “Exercise can reduce anxiety – many studies have come to this conclusion. People who exercise report feeling less stressed or nervous.”
A basic fitness program can improve your ability to manage stress. When you’re physically active, there is an increase in endorphins, which are responsible for improving your mood.
Relaxation exercises will help minimize your heightened sensations during those particularly stressful times. Try techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, meditation and muscle tightening-and-release exercises.
Stretching promotes relaxation. Stretching also increases flexibility and mobility. Yoga is a good example of a stretching exercise that combines movement with deep breathing.
Strengthening exercises increase the strength in your muscles and bones, improve your posture, create lean muscle tissue, which increases metabolism and reduces body fat. Exercises include weight lifting, climbing stairs, abdominal curls, push-ups and any other activity that creates resistance.
Cardiovascular exercise moves oxygen through the body, benefits the heart, lungs and arteries, and results in biochemical changes that elevate your mood and encourage a healthy self-concept. Exercises include running, cycling, swimming and cross-country skiing. The best cardiovascular fitness program involves daily aerobic or rhythmic, repetitive exercise three times a week.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be quite easy and enjoyable. And, exercising makes you feel good, handle stress better, improves your self-concept and mental health.
Cheryl A. Patterson is a stress management consultant and syndicated columnist. She has researched the area of stress for over 10 years. For more information please visit www.supportforstress.com .
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
