It’s something we’re urged to do at almost every visit to the doctor. For some, it’s an ever daunting activity that often gets pushed to the side with promises of “I’ll start tomorrow.”. Others seem to be doing some form of exercise at all hours of the day. Regardless of your fitness level, exercise can be a great way to heal yourself not only physically but mentally as well.
Physical Payoff
Exercise makes you healthier, but what exactly does that mean? Beyond the idea that exercise helps you lose weight, there are benefits that extend past the number on the scale. Consider your body a machine and exercise as the oil: you remove exercise and the other pieces won’t move as smoothly. One of the most important of those pieces is our blood. Exercise increases circulation and brings more oxygen to all of the other cells — these cells need oxygen to carry out their regular functions. Because of this, regular exercise can improve the health of your organs, namely, your cardiovascular organs.
The heart and lungs are like super organs; if they stop functioning well the whole body begins to struggle. The more you exercise, while respecting your limits, the more likely you are to avoid cardiovascular failure. Two more important parts of the body that are impacted by exercise are the muscles and bones. You may not be interested in bulking up, but cardio won’t give you those kinds of results as it makes you leaner. The benefits of exercise on the muscles and bones pay off most later in life. Strengthening muscles and bones earlier will help to prevent other issues as you age.
Direct Mental Benefits
Another organ impacted directly by exercise is the brain. Exercise can help sharpen the senses and increase our ability to focus. Increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain also promotes neural growth. One of the biggest ways that exercise can be mentally beneficial is the release of hormones such as endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins are a hormone that is naturally produced and released in our bodies. Exercise stimulates the release of this hormone in the brain which can decrease stress levels and relieve pain.
Serotonin is another hormone released during exercise and is considered one of the most important hormones in maintaining mental health. This hormone helps to regulate emotions and increase feelings of well-being and happiness. It can also aid in cognition and memory. One of the theorized causes for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety is a low-level of serotonin in the brain. Many prescription medications for these mental illnesses increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. While these medications can often come with negative side-effects, exercise bears positive side-effects and can achieve similar goals. However, exercise alone may not be the best treatment for mental health disorders and any changes to your treatment should first be discussed with your doctor.
Indirect Mental Benefits
Beyond the direct impacts of our physiology on mental health, exercise can result in some indirect benefits as well. It’s no secret that exercise makes you tired, but it actually can increase energy levels. After exercising you may feel more motivated to complete other tasks. Exercising earlier in the day can help productivity as well as reduce insomnia and promote more restful sleep.
Sleep has a huge impact on mental health. While we’re asleep the activity in our brain is much different than when we’re awake. These different functions in the brain can help to promote activity in the parts of our brains that impact memory, learning, and emotional health. Being well-rested also sets us up for a more energized, productive, and fulfilling day. This, in turn, can help to break out of cycles in depression that exacerbate its symptoms. Exercise has also been shown to increase self-esteem, another important component in mental health. When we exercise we are able to experience a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Getting Started with Exercise
If you’re unfamiliar with exercise or haven’t enjoyed it in the past, there are many ways you can begin exercising and many ways to continue exercising. It’s not necessary to run marathons in order to reap the benefits of exercise — any activity that promotes blood flow will bring benefits. This can be as simple as waking up and stretching before you begin your day or going for an hour-long walk. For those who may be interested in pursuing more of a workout, there are resources across the internet that can provide you with beginner exercises and routines.
When exercising it’s important to recognize your limits. Over-exertion can have negative impacts on your health and body. If you begin to feel faint or begin sweating an abnormal amount, stop exercising or allow yourself a break. When stretching or lifting weights it’s important to not push yourself too far and keep track of your reps and weight — these activities can result in strained or torn muscles. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Exercise can be a great way to manage our physical and mental health. By engaging in exercise we are taking care of ourselves in the present and preparing ourselves for the future. Mental health can be a great stressor and can often lead to or worsen addiction. If you are struggling with addiction and would like to begin treatment, call Rancho Milagro at (951) 526-4582 to discuss your options. Rancho Milagro is a treatment facility located in the secluded hills of Temecula, CA where we offer both detox and inpatient care. Here we believe in treating the entire person: mind, body, and spirit. Our facility is dedicated to your well-being and will provide you with an individualized plan of treatment because we know that there is no one path to recovery. Our ranch is home to over 20 farm and therapy animals as well as miles of private hiking trails available to all of our patients. At Rancho Milagro, you can find your path to recovery.