You probably keep your gym membership active with swimsuit season in mind. You may not be focusing on those covered up seasons, like the holidays. Ditto, for those very un-sexy situations, like pulling an all-nighter to finish a project, or watch over a sick kid. And yet, while they may have nothing to do with rock-hard abs, the holidays and family and work problems do have everything to do with stress, anxiety and maybe even some depression. And believe it or not, those are things you can also combat with a gym membership. Even moderate exercise releases chemicals in the brain that help moderate the body’s reaction to stress triggers. Exercise also releases endorphins, those euphoria-inducing hormones, which can go along way towards ameliorating a case of the blues. Dopamine, the so-called reward chemical is released with exercise, which may also mitigate symptoms of mental stress and even help with addiction issues. Exercising can also help prevent cognitive degeneration. It can even help the brain to develop new brain cells. In particular, the part of the brain that deals with memory can get a cellular boost with regular exercise. Regular exercise can also up confidence and productivity and enhance relaxation.
Key Takeaways:
- While working out certainly benefits your physical health, it can boost your mental health and brain function as well.
- Most people who go to the gym after work can already attest to the stress relief that working up a sweat can provide.
- Physical exercise can alleviate depression symptoms, increase self-confidence, and support cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
“Slogging through a few miles on the ?mill can be tough, but it?s worth the effort! Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed.”
Read more: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html
