Exercise Your Way to Better Mental Health

 Hi, Friends! Do you sometimes struggle to get motivated to move your body and exercise? I do too! Sure, regularly exercising will get your body fit and toned, but did you know that there are several mental health benefits too? Today we’re going to provide some extra inspiration to get you moving and share some of the valuable mental and emotional benefits of regular exercise to get your mind as fit as your body. We’ll also share some of our favorite activities that we use mix up our routine to keep us motivated. Ready to learn more? Read on!

First, let’s talk about some of the great benefits exercise has on the mind and helping to heal spiritual injury from trauma, including:

• Mood Improvement and Stress Reduction

  Neurochemical changes stimulated through exercise releases endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood elevation, increased feelings of happiness and well-being, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise also reduces the production of stress hormones, like cortisol, and, in combination, with the release of endorphins, can result in a better ability to cope with stress and provide an overall sense of relaxation.

• Distraction and Mental Engagement

  Need a healthy distraction from negative thoughts, worries, and rumination? Exercise is a great positive distraction! Focusing on physical activity and the present moment will help to shift your attention away from stressors and promote mental engagement. It’s hard to ruminate on a negative thought or event when you’re focusing on form and counting reps!

• Enhanced Cognitive Function

  Who wouldn’t like to be just a little bit smarter? Me too! Did you know that exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells which can improve brain function, including memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities? It can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve cognitive performance in individuals of all ages. Look out, Ken Jennings, we’re future contenders for a spot on Jeopardy!

• Increased Self-esteem and Confidence

  Achieving fitness goals and experiencing physical improvements, like weight loss, can lead to a more positive self-perception which boosts self-esteem and self-confidence. There’s no better confidence booster than achieving fitness goals. So, get out there and start training to run a 5K without stopping to walk!

• Better Sleep

  It’s nice to fall into bed at night exhausted from a good workout and wake up feeling refreshed with the confidence to tackle whatever the day brings! Regular physical activity promotes better quality sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Improved sleep positively impacts mood, energy levels, and overall mental well-being.

• Social Interaction

  Hard to believe, but I’m an introvert. I do a lot of my runs solo but participating in a group exercise class or team sport can provide social interaction and a sense of community which help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. So, making myself seek out and join a weekly group run has aided me in finding community and support in my fitness goals, with the added benefit of meeting a few new friends! Hey, as they say, “misery loves company”. You might as well sweat it out with others, right?!

• Increased Resilience

  Through regular exercise, you are challenged to set goals, overcome obstacles, and persist in the face of difficulties this helps to build resilience through perseverance and an increased tolerance for discomfort. This resilience can extend beyond physical fitness and contribute to better mental health. There’s nothing grittier than sticking with your exercise plan and reaching your goals. So, get out there and get it done! You’re mentally and physically stronger than you think and there’s nothing that you can’t achieve!

The real key to experiencing these mental health boosting benefits of exercise is to maintain consistency. So, it is important to find an activity that you enjoy and consistently have the time each week for your favorite activity. Need some inspiration? We got you!

Here are some of our favorite activities that get the body moving and reaping the mental health benefits of regular exercise:

• Walking or running

• Gardening

• Swimming

• Strength training

• Kayaking

• Playing with the kids on the playground

• Adult rec league kickball

• Pickleball

• Standup paddleboard

• Household chores

• Yoga

• Fishing

• Dancing

• Hiking

I encourage you to get out there and enjoy the beautiful spring weather performing your favorite activity to start feeling better emotionally while taking steps to heal your moral or spiritual injury from trauma. I believe in you!

Eager for more mental health boosting Spirit Source Connection content? Check out Coach B. Von’s Talking Mental Health Series for inspiring stories and invaluable strategies for improving relationships, making positive changes, and much more!