Everyone knows how important exercise is for our physical health but more and more, research shows the benefits of exercise for our mental health as well. Even further, in a new large-scale study, researchers assert that the more exercise we engage in weekly, the lower the risk of early death. If a longer life is not reason enough to pull you away from the sofa, then likely nothing else can.
It has been said that people who exercise regularly are better adjusted mentally and emotionally. It can boost your mood, improve your sleep and help you cope with anxiety and stress. That is quite a tall order, so naturally, you might be wondering how something so simple can have such a significant impact.
So how does exercise help our mental state?
Exercise and physical activity trigger a release of natural chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, which are known to improve your mood and feel more relaxed. In turn, it increases your energy levels and helps to improve your coping ability and self-esteem. There is no doubt that regular exercise results in a win-win situation as you are not only achieving better cardiovascular and fitness levels but your mental health and emotional wellbeing are also reaping the benefits.
Getting started with exercise is easier than you think
If regular exercise is not already a part of your daily routine, it can be intimidating to start, especially if you have not been active for a while. However, there is no need to despair as you do not need to devote hours of your busy day to work out at the gym and sweat profusely in order to gain mental and physical rewards of exercise.
Even a little bit of exercise is better than nothing. Experts agree that only 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five times a week is enough. It can even be divided into two 15-minute sessions. If you do not even have time for 30 minutes of exercise, simply start with 5 or 10-minute sessions and gradually increase the time. Also, low or moderate impact exercise is enough to make a difference in terms of your mood.
What does moderate exercise entail? Going for a leisurely walk, or less intense activities such as stretching and yoga can also have noticeable benefits on your mind and body. Even doing housework like sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming can offer a boost to your mental health. Or be strategic and incorporate exercise into your regular daily tasks. Try walking or cycling instead of using the car. Get off a train or bus a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. Or take the stairs instead of elevators. The vital thing to remember is to try to move more and sit less every day.
All-natural exercise remedies
An often heard excuse for not exercising is that it leads to muscle and body pain. But in this day and age, there are incredibly effective remedies so that you do not need to suffer silently with aching muscles post-exercise. ACTIVE RELEAF offers some of the most high-quality and fast-acting solutions to help reduce body pain and muscle discomfort. Releaf Stick is an easy roll-on which provides a cooling, soothing sensation that can be used anywhere, anytime. Our soothing Releaf Balm is perfect for applying in hard-to-reach places such as the back and between fingers or toes. Both products are made of all-natural ingredients, scientifically formulated and tested for over two years to ensure the best quality and combination of ingredients.
In the end, people who exercise regularly do so because it gives them a tremendous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic, sleep better, and feel more relaxed and positive. So do not let a busy schedule be an excuse to avoid activity. The key is commitment, no matter how little. As it becomes a regular habit, you will start to see the benefits and it will actually be harder not to exercise.
