How Does Fitness Affect Mental Health?
March 10, 2023 | Words by Liz Francis
I know firsthand that hitting a PR can make you feel like a superhero, but have you ever stopped to think about how fitness affects your mental health? I’m talking about more than just the post-workout endorphins — although those are pretty great, too!
There’s actually science behind the great impacts exercise can have on your happiness, confidence, and stress levels.
Let’s dive into 4 ways exercise positively affects your mental health!
1. Exercise Boosts Your Mood
When you’re feeling down in the dumps, sometimes the last thing you want to do is hit the gym. However, every time I feel this way, I still haul myself to the gym and end up being so happy I did. Exercise has been shown to increase the production of endorphins in the brain, which are natural mood boosters. So, even if you’re not feeling particularly motivated to work out, know that your brain (and your roommates) will thank you for it!
2. Fitness Helps Manage Stress
Life is stressful, there’s no way around that. But exercise can help you manage that stress in a healthy way. When you work out, your body releases cortisol, which is a hormone that helps your body cope with stress. So, instead of reaching for a pint of ice cream after a tough day (been there!), hit the gym and sweat out the stress. You might even find certain movements help you de-stress more than others. For me, it’s running and slam balls!
3. Exercise Can Boost Your Self-Confidence
Feeling good about yourself is important, and exercise can help with that too. When you work out, you’re not only improving your physical health, but you’re also improving your mental health. Setting and achieving fitness goals can help you feel more confident and capable in all areas of your life. The feeling of accomplishing something you once thought was impossible is truly amazing. When I did my first ring muscle-up, I was (literally) on top of the world.
4. Fitness Can Help with Anxiety & Depression
Struggling with anxiety or depression can feel overwhelming, but exercise can be a powerful tool in managing those conditions. Studies have shown that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of both, making it a valuable part of any treatment plan. Of course, loop in your doctors when it comes to these things. Personally, movement has proven to be a true medicine in my life!
I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “The gym is my therapist.” While this is obviously not literal, working out can definitely help your mental health! So the next time you’re feeling stressed, down, or just need a mood boost, lace up those sneakers and hit the gym. You’ll only ever regret the workouts you didn’t do.
