Sadly, Americans are lacking in the exercise department: a mere 18 and older work out regularly.
You may think that you don’t have the time or energy to exercise. However, refusing to get moving could actively harm you and increase certain health risks.
Regular physical activity has a plethora of mind and body benefits. Want to know how you can take advantage of working out? Read on to learn more.
Better Sleep
Do you find yourself unable to fall asleep, tossing and turning, or waking up throughout the night? Believe it or not, regular workouts can contribute to better sleep quality.
Exercise, especially cardio, will improve your overall sleep. This is because you will use excess energy in your body and it will be easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Some evidence suggests that exercise in the morning prevents an afternoon slump. If you find yourself drinking caffeine in the afternoon hours to stay awake, that caffeine may have a domino effect on your sleep quality later on.
You can also squeeze in your workout in the late afternoon or early evening. Your body will get a rush of energy to get you through the rest of the day, but it’ll be ready to settle down when it is time to hit the hay.
Increased Self-Esteem
Exercise can do wonders for your self-esteem. It can improve the way you feel about your body, but also how you appreciate your life overall.
The connection between exercise and mental health is solid. When you exercise, it releases endorphins. These endorphins flood your brain with chemicals that make you feel happy and confident.
Next time you’re feeling down about yourself, try taking a brisk walk or doing some other easy form of exercise. You’ll be surprised by how much your mood can improve with a simple change.
Reduce Depression and Anxiety
Mental illness affects millions of people in the United States. You may not be able to change your brain’s genetic disposition, but you can certainly combat depression and anxiety.
Exercise is one of the best self-care tips and tricks when you feel sad, overwhelmed, or anxious. It’s an instant mood booster if you don’t want to try things like medication for your symptoms.
Make Friends
Working out can help you find friends with similar values and interests. Many gyms have group classes for exercises such as yoga, spin cycling, or personal training.
Sign up for a gym session that interests you and try to talk to people. You may find new friends that you want to see outside of the class. You can get together for a coffee, or even to exercise more.
Regularly spending time with friends is a key to preventing loneliness. Surround yourself with good people to reduce stress and promote a healthier lifestyle.
If you can’t find a class or group for the exercise you love, make one of your own. Many websites exist where you can organize meetups for specific interests.
Social media is also a powerful tool for making new friends. Sites like Facebook and Reddit have groups and spaces to talk to others about the types of workouts you enjoy.
Happier Mood
Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. Mind and body work together to keep all of your systems operating smoothly and efficiently.
A happier mood can lead to increased productivity, improved sleep quality, and higher emotional intelligence. It will be easier for you to practice things like gratitude and be actively thankful.
Alleviate Trauma Symptoms
Exercise can be a powerful tool against conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. If you suffer from trauma, working out will help you to focus and hone in on how your body feels with different movements.
Do you find yourself holed up, not wanting to engage with the outside world? Getting out of the door may be the best solution. Activities such as hiking, water sports, snow sports, and even just walking outdoors can make a world of difference.
Sometimes mental illness associated with trauma can make you feel stuck. If you want to accomplish other goals, it may be worth it to get a few minutes of exercise in and restart your brain.
Find a New Hobby
You never know when working out can lead to a new hobby or passion. Many people who start as beginners in a type of exercise can excel and even become leaders in their respective fields.
For example, if you find that you love running long distances, perhaps you can make it a goal to run a marathon in the future.
If you’re new to exercise, try a little bit of everything. Sometimes it may take a while to find something that will stick. The goal of exercising is to do something you enjoy, so it does not feel like work.
Achieve Your Goals
Have you always dreamed of having a muscular body or meeting your weight loss goals? Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to meet and maintain all of your fitness goals.
To keep up your progress or formulate a plan, it may be best to meet with professionals. A personal trainer is well worth it if you have the money in your budget. He or she will design a workout regimen and keep your goals and growth in mind.
Similarly, if you have trouble with your eating habits, consider a dietitian or nutritionist. They can assist you with swapping out your favorite foods for healthier options. You will also be able to find more nutrient-dense foods and formulate better eating habits.
Mind and Body Benefits of Working Out
The mind and body benefits of regular exercise can’t be overstated. With these advantages and so many more, it is important to incorporate workouts into your routine.
Want to learn about more ways to manage your mind and body? Take a look around our Health section for ideas and inspiration so you can improve every element of your life.
