Mental health problems affect millions of people. Whether it is depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, or something more rare, there are a lot of things people can do to help improve mental health. By performing simple exercises both indoors and out, you can improve your overall sense of well-being and potentially see a sharp improvement in your mental health.
It does not take a fitness guru to implement a few easy, but helpful exercises into your daily routine to improve mental health. These exercises can increase endorphins, which are hormones in the brain that makes people feel happier and more relaxed. Endorphins have been known to improve symptoms of depression and stress, and can help people feel happier. The body and the brain are connected, so regular exercise is integral to help improve mental health and to help someone feel better overall.
You do not have to be an athlete to reap the multitude of physical and mental benefits of exercise. There are many different options anyone can do that will help them achieve their fitness and mental health treatment goals. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that anyone can do, and is easy on the joints. Getting outside on a sunny day and walking will increase the absorption of vitamin D, which is also known to help combat depression. In addition, walking gets the blood circulating which is energizing and great for the circulatory system and brain. Take a walk around the neighborhood or go to your local park for a brisk walk several times a week, and you will soon notice a difference in your mood. Swimming is another excellent therapeutic form of exercise. The water has a calming effect, and the rhythmic motions of swimming have been known to ease anxiety and reduce stress. A few laps are quite beneficial, and can also help strengthen the muscles. If staying indoors is more your speed, you can try yoga. Yoga focuses on deep breathing and stretching, both of which have excellent physical and mental benefits. Learning how to pace your breathing will allow to you relax and focus better, as well as feel calmer.
Exercising with a friend has been shown to greatly reduce depression and help improve mental health. Whether it is visiting the gym or just taking a walk with friends, it creates a sense of belonging and can help you to strengthen personal relationships. In addition, exercising with others helps you to stick to your routine, and encourages you to feel accountable, improving the odds that your exercise routine will continue. Doing these things with friends or family can help give you a fulfilled sense of unity and belonging If you like to work out indoors, you can purchase a treadmill or other piece of exercise equipment that will help you perform your routine in the comfort of your own home. An exercise video allows you to move and get healthy in the comfort of your own home. Even simple breathing exercises daily can do wonders for mental health. Learning how to calmly and properly breathe brings oxygen to the brain and relieves anxiety greatly. Practicing breathing can be done anywhere and at any time, whether you are at the office, in a store, or in your home.
Whether you are dealing with depression, stress, or another form of a mental health related ailment, there is no doubt that exercise can help you not only cope, but feel better as well. While you may not be on an exercise regimen for the traditional reasons such as to lose weight or get in shape, get moving to help improve mental clarity and your ability to deal with any mental health related issues you may have. No matter what form of exercise you choose, it will help you in many ways. Strengthening the body is also good for the mind. They are both interconnected and play an important role in our health. Start improving your mental health today by integrating some simple exercises into your life, and you will soon see and feel the results.
If you have any other questions about what you can do to improve your mental health rehab, don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 855-631-2135.
By Michelle Conway