Feeling stressed, anxious, or blue? Struggling with bad habits or feel like you're living in a mental fog? Exercise can help.
Exercise has a wide range of benefits, but most people focus on the physical. While there's nothing wrong with using exercise to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain flexibility and stability — in fact, those are great reasons to work out — physical benefits are hardly the only reason to lead an active lifestyle.
Mental Health
For people who have experience with mental health issues, the benefits go further. Physical activity reduces the risk of developing depression and anxiety and eases symptoms for people living with mood disorders. It also increases self-esteem, which is of incredible value for people whose mental illness leads them to question their self-worth.
Addiction
Exercise is also an effective tool for people battling addiction. Because exercise creates the same euphoric effects as many drugs, albeit to a lesser degree, it's a healthy stand-in for people trying to overcome drug and alcohol cravings. It also reduces stress and keeps boredom at bay, thus eliminating two common triggers for relapse. If this is a battle you or someone you love is fighting, learn more about how exercise aids addiction recovery at The Doctor Weighs In.
Choosing an Exercise
Despite the extensive benefits, many people find it difficult to commit to exercise. A big part of the problem is that people think exercise has to take the form of lifting weights or sweating it out on the treadmill. While those are valid ways to exercise, they're not the only options.
It's easier to stick with exercise when you start with forms of fitness that are approachable and fun. These three types of exercise are great for people just beginning their fitness journey:
Exercise is for everyone.* Whether you're young or old, overweight or underweight, mentally well or mentally ill, exercise can improve your health and your life. By starting with exercise that's approachable and fun, you can take the intimidation factor out of your workout and start building a healthier body and mind for life.
*Be sure to check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Written By: Susan Treadway, Susan.Treadway@RehabHolistics.com, Founder RehabHolistics.com