In recent times, the issue of mental health has become a burning topic. It seems like people are now beginning to understand what mental health is and how much of an impact it can have on your life.
It is now being taken just as seriously as physical health. We have now seen athletes pull out of events they seemed very physically qualified in, due to mental health concerns.
This shows that being physically fit is not everything as there is not much you can do if your mental health is not in good shape. This article discusses some easy exercises for mental health and wellness.
Just like physical diseases, you can also develop mental illnesses which would impair your proper mental functioning.
Some common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and more. They range in complexity as some mental illnesses are easier to cope with, unlike others.Â
So, what can you do to protect your mental health? There are some things you can do to keep your mental health in good shape, including exercise.
Some exercises can impact your physical as well as your mental health and we would be looking at some of those exercises below.Â
1. RunningÂ
Running is one of the easiest exercises to do. One thing to note is that you do not have to be so hard on yourself while running as you can easily do it at your own pace.
The best time to run is early in the morning or late in the evening as the sun would not be out to disturb you then and you might also meet fewer people/cars on the road.Â
Running can help to lift your spirits and would generally improve your mood. Sometimes, all you need is that rush of air that comes with running. It would keep you in top form and would help to get you started for the day.Â
2. Dancing
Dancing is a fantastic way to enhance both physical and mental health. It provides a great workout that boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves balance and coordination.
Beyond physical benefits, dancing offers valuable social interaction, helping to alleviate loneliness and foster a sense of community.
Moreover, it serves as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing you to convey emotions and creativity through movement, which can be highly therapeutic.
3. Swimming
If you are someone who knows how to swim, it would be good to learn that swimming can have a good impact on your mental health.
The reason for this being that swimming combines aerobic exercise with the soothing effects of water, reduces stress and improves your mental wellbeing
Just taking a dip in the pool and doing a few strokes can do your mental health a lot of good as it would help keep you calm and cool.Â
4. Walking
Walking is another good exercise for mental health and wellness. A simple walk can do wonders for your overall mental health.
Taking a walk can improve your self-esteem, mood, concentration, and sleep quality. It also reduces stress, anxiety, fatigue, clears up your mind.
Walking is an easy physical activity that almost anyone can do. You can stay physically active through walking.
In fact, researchers state that physically active people have a reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed recover.
5. Strength Training
Strength or weight training can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Strength training can lead to an Improved sense of wellbeing, boost your self-confidence, and improve your body image.
Studies have also shown that lifting weights and engaging in resistance training can help you sleep better and enhanced your daily productivity.
6. Cycling
Another one of the simple exercises for mental health and wellness is cycling.
Cycling pumps blood around your body at a higher rate which causes the rapid spread of “feel good chemicals” called endorphins, and other good substances like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
This chemicals promotes positive mental health. Some studies have indicated that cycling can reduce feelings of anxiety, and prevent anxiousness from developing into panic attacks or disorders.
7. Breathing ExercisesÂ
When you engage in deep breathing exercises, you’re doing more than just taking a breath; you’re giving your body a mini-vacation.
Focusing on slow, deep breaths, helps you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is like your body’s “rest and digest” mode. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Moreover, deep breathing improves blood circulation, ensuring that more oxygen reaches your brain and muscles. This influx of oxygen can help clear your mind, reduce feelings of stress, and alleviate anxiety
Tip: Listen to music while exercising
While this may not seem like an actual exercise, it is an activity that can impact your mental health. Listening to music has a way of making you feel calm and less anxious.
Songs with positive or uplifting lyrics can have such an impact. Some songs can keep you focused or help to reduce the impact of stress. Listening to music while doing a chore would make the whole thing more pleasurable than it is.Â
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
