Sweat Your Way to Better Mental Health

As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how exercise can transform not only the body but also the mind. Exercising isn’t just about burning calories or building muscles; it’s a holistic approach to wellness that can have a significant effect on mental wellbeing.

Research has demonstrated that exercise can be just as effective as medication in relieving symptoms of major depressive disorder. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry revealed that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity experienced marked improvements to their mood, energy levels and quality of life. Another study published by Sport and Exercise Psychology demonstrated how even after controlling for age, gender and physical fitness levels, exercising can reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Exercise has also been found to be a successful way of relieving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress revealed that individuals who exercised regularly had fewer PTSD symptoms compared to those who didn’t. Exercising helps individuals build resilience and manage stress more effectively.

If you suffer from insomnia or poor sleep quality, exercise could be the solution. A study published in The Journal of Sleep Research demonstrated that exercising improved the quality of sleep for adults with insomnia. A separate study published in Adolescent Health revealed that adolescents who participated in regular physical activity experienced better sleep quality and fewer signs of depression.

Exercise can also be an effective way to prevent the onset of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that physical activity was linked with a reduced risk for developing depression. Furthermore, another British Journal of Sports Medicine study also revealed an association between exercise and reduced anxiety levels.

Exercise not only offers mental health benefits, but it can also build resilience and enhance overall well-being. Exercising helps individuals build confidence, boost self-esteem, and foster social connections. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, those who engaged in regular physical activity had higher levels of self-worth and were better able to cope with stress compared to those who did not exercise.

Don’t put off exercising for your mental health! Incorporating movement into your daily regimen, whether that’s taking a walk around the block, attending yoga class, or engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), every movement counts and should be prioritized for its benefits on mental wellbeing. Don’t let excuses keep you from prioritizing this important part of self-care; exercise will help get you there! So let’s make exercise part of our self-care regimen together – both your mind and body will thank us!