Exercise Strengthens the Body— And Possibly the Mind, Too

Lena Marks

We all know that staying active is good for our bodies. While there are a lot of physical benefits linked to exercising, the mental health benefits don’t get nearly as much attention. Physical exercise can assist in improving not only physical strength but also the mental strength needed to overcome everyday challenges. Focusing on your physical health could be essential to improving your mental health.

The Influence of Physical Activity on Mental Health

Through exercising, individuals engage in a mind-body connection. According to Dr. Patricia Hart, a proponent of mind-body practices, what we do with our physical body (our eating habits, levels of physical activity, and even our posture), can either positively or negatively influence our mental state. As such, the extent we engage in physical activity can impact our mental states. The sense of accomplishment after completing a workout milestone or the negative emotional state arising from falling short of doing so has been shown to stimulate the nervous system. This stimulation can promote increases in brain and nerve excitation which can lead to lower levels of perceived psychological pressure. Research has supported that both short-term and long-term physical activity can help reduce negative mental states, such as anxiety and depression, that are brought on by psychological pressure. Physical activity can help improve self-control and promote responsiveness to our emotional states. Furthermore, individuals become more aware of their emotions while exercising. Increased awareness is linked to individuals being more responsive to their stress and more likely to consider a way to reduce that stress.

Integrating Daily Physical Exercises to Improve Mental Health

It would be an understatement to say that life can get tough sometimes. It is essential not to allow the stressors of life to get in the way of engaging in protective mental health measures. Depending on your health status and physical condition, methods for developing suitable exercise routines to improve your mental health are accessible. As a protective measure, in preparing to complete a challenging task, you should try to schedule some breaks for physical activity. If you can’t make it to your local gym, even going on a brisk walk can support your mental health. Researchers recommend exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, at least three times per week, to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. However, even shorter bursts of exercise, as little as 15 to 20 minutes at a time, might still have an impact. A recent study investigating the influence of physical exercise on the mental health of college students showed an inverse relationship between the amount of time spent exercising and perceived psychological pressure levels. The study highlighted that the levels of perceived psychological pressure decreased as the time spent exercising increased.

Exercising for Your Mental Health

Exercise has been shown to have a powerful influence on both the mind and body. Having a good relationship with physical activity can be a useful method for improving your mental health and lifestyle. The power of exercise to make us feel better—both physically and mentally —is often underestimated. I hope this discussion on why exercise has a significant positive impact on our well-being will inspire you to engage in physical exercise in your day-to-day lives. 

If you are interested in learning more about at-home exercises that require no equipment and are perfect for any level, I have included a few links below:

How To Exercise at Home Without Equipment

The 8 Best At-Home Workout Routines: The Ultimate Guide for Training Without a Gym

The Beginner Bodyweight Workout: 20-Minute Routine To Do At Home or Anywhere!