The Many Mental Health Benefits of Exercise!

We’ve heard it all before, exercise is known to help reduce stress, combat anxiety and improve general mood.

But why exactly is that?

That hit of feel good energy after a workout, isn’t a MYTH. In fact it’s down to a number of chemicals being released into the brain which helps contribute to the amazing post workout rush of energy. After exercising hormones such as DOPAMINE, ENDOCANNABINOIDS and ENDORPHINS are released in to the brain leaving you with a natural mood boost.

So how exactly do Endorphins get released?

Endorphins are the chemicals released into the body when the body recognises stress, strain or pain. Endorphins are released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain when the body is under moderate strain or stress resulting in pain relief and over all improved mood.

That phrase ‘you’ll never regret a workout’ is often thrown about, this phrase originates from the positive association exercise has with those good mood hormones being released in to the body. It might seem daunting to attend a gym class or head out for a 30 minute jog but the good news is anyone can reap the mental health benefits of exercise with as little as a 30 minute walk in the fresh air outside.

How else does exercise help mental wellbeing?

Exercise not only releases endorphins, it also helps promote better sleep, improve memory and promote sharper thinking.

A commonly overlooked factor in maintaining ones mental health is how well you sleep at night. Although many factors can affect your sleep quality, your level of physical activity appears to be the most influential.

A 2017 review on sleep concluded that exercise, regardless of the type, can improve sleep efficiency and duration (22Trusted Source). What’s more, exercise can improve sleep onset latency, or the time it takes you to fall asleep. Ultimately, if you have difficulty getting to sleep, incorporating regular exercise — regardless of the type — may provide great benefits.

How can class based fitness improve mental wellbeing?

Exercising in a group environment, especially with a friend can also have its benefits. At Milo and the Bull group classes encourage team work and communication. When working in a group environment you’re more likely to push yourself, work harder and provide moral support to those around you.

Ultimately the rewards from exercise are worth the early mornings, late evenings and tough workouts that you may not want to do at the time. Finding a gym class or fitness routine that works for you should be a priority, and as we look ahead to the year we should nourish our mental health by making time for exercise.