Mental Health Benefits of Physical Exercise

Brian Kezer is a sports enthusiast and enjoys working out in his free time.

Physical exercises such as swimming, running, and jogging have numerous health benefits that can improve one’s mental health, some of which this article will discuss.

-Promotes brain health.
Regular exercise improves thinking skills and protects brain memory by promoting oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Research has shown that regular exercise enhances the growth of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, which could help improve brain function in the elderly. It also enhances the production of hormones that induce the growth of brain cells. Significantly, exercise can reduce changes in the brain that can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

-Improves sleep.
Even brief workout sessions can increase body temperature, which helps improve one’s sleep patterns and quality by assisting in temperature drop while sleeping. A study found that stretching and resistance exercise can enhance sleep quality for people with chronic insomnia.

-Improves self-esteem.
The results of regular exercise can improve one’s feeling of self-worth. Reaching exercise goals will give a sense of achievement and contentment. Improved self-esteem can result in stronger resilience when faced with mental or emotional upheaval.

-Healthy Coping Mechanism.
Also, exercise can provide a healthy coping mechanism, rather than alcohol, drugs, or other vices that ultimately worsen the problem.