5 Reasons Exercise is Good for Your Mental Health

22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021 (57.8 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults. 5.5% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2021 (14.1 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.

But what can we do?

Well, there is no set solution to reducing mental illness completely, but we can incorporate daily tasks like exercise to help boost our overall mental health and well-being!

By now we know that exercise is great to maintain your physical health but did you know that exercise is good for you mental health too!

5 reasons exercise is good for your mental health:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which are known as “feel-good” hormones. These hormones help to reduce stress levels and improve your mood.

Additionally, exercise can also help to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which can further reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

2. Boosts Self-Esteem

Exercise can boost your self-esteem and confidence. When you exercise regularly, you will begin to notice improvements in your body and fitness level. These improvements can make you feel good about yourself and give you a sense of accomplishment.

A tailored exercise program can also help to improve body image which will boost your self-esteem in other areas!

3. Improves Cognitive Function

Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. Regular exercise can help to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help to improve brain function.

Regular exercise can also help to reduce inflammation in the brain which has been linked to cognitive decline and mental health problems.

4. Helps to Manage Depression

Exercise can be an effective way to manage depression. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which can help to improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Additionally, exercise can also provide a distraction from negative thoughts and help to improve sleep quality, which can further help to manage depression.

5. Provides Social Support

Exercise can also provide social support which is important for good mental health. Joining a fitness program, taking a fitness class or working out with a friend can help to provide social support and reduce feelings of isolation.

Additionally, a strong social support can also help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Wrap up

In conclusion, exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your mental health. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve cognitive function, manage depression and provide social support.

If you don't know where to start on your exercise journey, Orange Box Fitness is the community for you. We provide all around support from workouts to mindset, a built-in support system and everything in between!