Which came first? The chicken or the egg? What does it matter if they’re both necessary to continue the circle of life? This question is equally applicable to physical and mental health. What caused what? Do physical activity and nutrition affect mental health? Or are genetics and emotional experience the principal factors? The truth is that all these can greatly influence mental health.
Our genes function similarly to light bulbs. They can remain turned off or, in the right circumstances, they can be turned on. You might be the carrier of a “depression” gene. But if environmental factors prevent that gene from turning on, you could live your whole life without experiencing it. We know this from studies of identical twins living separate lives; one twin may struggle with mental illness and the other may not. These studies illustrate the extent to which environmental factors (such as nutrition, physical activity, or emotional experiences), influence mental health. Here’s why exercise is good for your mental health.
The Happy Hormone
Many things happen in the body when exercising. For example, we experience an increase in blood flow, increased energy, and a release of endorphins. Endorphins stimulate a positive feeling very similar to morphine. Many people experience an increase in positive mood and energy after exercising, sometimes to the extent of euphoria. Endorphins can also help to reduce pain, and unlike morphine, exercise does not have a strong addictive component. It is also free. Regular exercise, producing long-term endorphin release, improves mental and physical health. It counters depressed mood and anxiety, increases self-esteem and confidence, and improves overall physical well-being. It doesn’t take too much physical activity to get the benefits of endorphins. A simple 30-minute walk or a stretching session can do it.
Routine, Consistency, Commitment to Self-Care
Although the physical act of exercise generates positive benefits for overall mental health, another positive benefit is the routine and consistency it can generate. When people commit to physical activity in a consistent manner, they begin to develop inner structure and consistency. This often affects other areas of life, for example, it can improve work consistency and resilience, and help identify and achieve personal goals
As you begin to build the skills of routine and consistency, you will also develop the habit of committing to self-care. It can feel extremely challenging to find time to take care of yourself, but through creating, saving, and making time for self-care you will be able to better prioritize your needs and safeguard your mental health.
Mindfulness
As you begin the journey of practicing physical activity, routine, consistency, and commitment to the self, you will also stimulate mindfulness. Mindfulness is described as practicing awareness in the present time and space you are in, essentially, focusing on what is occurring in the here and now, and not diverting attention to thoughts of the past or worries about the future. Any form of self-care can help stimulate this, however, exercise can offer additional tools. When we exercise, we are often encouraged to be focused on the moment, as we try to challenge our physical body, our attention must remain on the task or exercise at hand, and therefore focused on the moment.
Mindfulness is one of the leading factors that reduce anxiety and depression. Although exploring and processing the root of a specific mental health concern is necessary and can take time, we know that these habits can reduce overall mental health concerns, and improve overall mental health. We may not know 100 percent what may cause mental health concerns in an individual, but we do know that simple steps, such as exercise, can take us on a steady journey to better mental health. With exercise come endorphins, routine, consistency, commitment, self-care, mindfulness, and a positive mindset, as well as improved physical well-being.
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