Exercise and Mental Health

Exercise is not only great for your physical health, but it has a great deal of benefits when it comes to your mental health. The government of Canada defines mental health as your psychological and emotional well-being. It is a key resource for living a healthy life and should be taken care of the same way you would take care of your physical health.

Mental health does not mean the same thing as mental illness, but having poor mental health can lead to mental and physical illnesses. In Canada, in any given year, it is said that 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness and that by the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness.

Research suggests that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing, and lower rates of mental illness. Here are a few ways on how doing regular exercise with our Registered Kinesiologists at Longevity Nexum, Barrie Ontario, can help you improve the quality of your mental and physical health:

1. Change the chemicals in your brain: When you exercise, your body releases chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins which make you feel happy. Exercise also helps the brain get rid of chemicals that make you feel stressed and anxious.

1. Exercise increases your energy levels: Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle your daily chores.

1. Exercise can help you sleep better: Regular exercise can extend sleep duration, improve sleep quality, and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep. All of which are often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety.

1. Improve your sense of control, coping ability and self-esteem: Regular exercise can distract you from negative thoughts and provide you with opportunities to try new experiences and reach new goals.

1. Chance to socialize: Social interaction is good for your brain health. It promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security – especially when you get to socialize with our great team at Longevity Nexum!

In order to get these benefits from exercise, it is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week, and two days of muscle strengthening activities per week.

Want to get those happy chemicals flowing? Contact one of our Kinesiologists at Longevity Nexum Barrie, Ontario and start today. Call us 1-800-963-4409

In conclusion, exercise is an influential tool in the management of your mental health. By changing the chemicals in your brain, increasing your energy levels, bettering your sleep patterns, improving your coping abilities, and giving you a chance to socialize – exercise can help your physical and mental health. So, get your body moving and make exercise your favourite part of your daily routine!