Exercise improves both the physical condition of the body and the mood. Both of these lead to general happiness and a better quality of life. Read on to find more about exercise can help reduce depression and prevent sickness.
Exercise improves both physical and mental health
Exercise has several health benefits, according to Robert Gotlin, a sports medicine specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mt. Sinai in New York City:
Increasing the happy hormone
When you exercise, your body produces a hormone known as Endorphin. This is the body’s natural hormone, also referred to as the “happy hormone.”
Preventing cardiovascular disease
Exercise boosts cardiovascular health, giving you more endurance throughout the day. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days a week for overall heart health. Get 40 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity three to four times per week to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Improving your sleep
Exercise improves your sleep. You will feel more refreshed during the day if you sleep well.
One research published in the Journal of Sleep Research analyzed people with insomnia who engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise each week (this is the amount recommended by the World Health Organization of physical activity for adults). The researchers discovered that this level of physical activity was linked not only to a significant reduction in the severity of insomnia symptoms but also to a better mood.
Enhancing mental concentration
Endorphins – the “happy hormone” – is generated during exercise, making us feel more energetic and productive.
Several studies have shown that a 24-week program of moderate aerobic exercise enhances cognitive function, including concentration. An intense workout session can improve concentration and short-term memory cognitive function.
Exercise boosts the body’s energy levels and reduces depression
According to sports expert Gotlin, exercise has been proven to be positively associated with increasing a person’s energy levels. After exercising, you will feel healthier and more energetic.
Many research has also consistently shown that regular exercise is related to a lower risk of depression. This is because physical exercise releases neurotransmitters and ‘nerve nourishing proteins’, which encourage nerves to establish new connections, which enhances brain function and plays a role in reducing symptoms of depression.
Furthermore, stepping out of the house and interacting with others, such as going to the park, the gym, or taking a group exercise class, helps you get out of the house and reduces isolation. Loneliness and social isolation are recognized to be detrimental to mental health and increase the chance of premature death.
Which workout provides the most energy?
Any type of exercise or physical activity that raises your heart rate and blood flow while also generating endorphins will increase your energy levels. Cardiovascular exercises can help to strengthen your heart and enhance your endurance.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective exercises for treating depressive symptoms. Lower-intensity exercise, such as yoga, also shows potential mood-enhancing benefits.
All sorts of exercise (including running, cycling, walking, gym, etc.) are associated with a reduction in the overall mental health burden.
So, what is the most effective energy-boosting exercise? “It all depends on you and what you want to do. To reap the most benefits from your workouts, it’s critical to maintain consistency in conjunction with a healthy diet, avoid sweets, and increase protein intake”, sports medicine specialist Robert Gotlin highlighted.
Choose an activity that you love, such as basketball, football, or tennis, or go for a jog or cycling… You could also consider aerobics – kickboxing or martial arts classes, spinning classes, or any aerobics class near you.
The key is to find what you love, stick with it, and get the long-term advantages of a consistent workout routine.