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& 2011 网易公司 京ICP证080268号13 Mental Health Benefits Of Exercise
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13 Mental Health Benefits Of Exercise
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By Many people hit the gym or pound the pavement to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and of course, get a rockin’ bod, but working out has above-the-neck benefits, too. For the past decade or so, scientists have pondered . Regardless of age or fitness level (yup, this includes everyone from mall-walkers to marathoners), studies show that making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits. Get inspired to exercise by reading up on these unexpected ways that working out can benefit mental health, relationships and lead to a healthier and happier life overall.More from Greatist:
1. Reduce Stress
Rough day at the office? Take a walk or head to the gym for a quick workout. One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Working up a sweat can help manage physical and . Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain's . So go ahead and get sweaty -- working out can reduce stress and boost the body's ability to deal with existing mental tension. Win-win!2. Boost Happy Chemicals
Slogging through a few miles on the ‘mill can be tough, but it's worth the effort! Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that
among the clinically depressed. For this reason, docs recommend that people suffering from
(or those who are just feeling blue) pencil in plenty of gym time. In some cases, exercise can be just as effective as antidepressant pills in . Don't worry if you're not exactly the gym rat type -- getting a happy buzz from working out for just 30 minutes a few times a week can instantly . 3. Improve Self-Confidence
Hop on the treadmill to look (and more importantly, feel) like a million bucks. On a very basic level, physical fitness can boost
and . Regardless of weight, size, gender or age, exercise can quickly elevate a person's perception of his or her attractiveness, that is, . How's that for feeling the (self) love?4. Enjoy The Great Outdoors
For an extra boost of self-love, take that workout outside.
can increase self-esteem even more. Find an outdoor workout that fits your style, whether it's rock-climbing, hiking, renting a canoe or just taking a jog in the park. Plus, all that Vitamin D acquired from soaking up the sun (while wearing sunscreen, of course!) can lessen the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms. Why book a spa day when a little fresh air and sunshine (and exercise) can work wonders for self-confidence and happiness?5. Prevent Cognitive Decline
It's unpleasant, but it's true -- as we get older, our brains get a little... hazy. As aging and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's kill off brain cells, the noggin actually shrinks, losing many important brain functions in the process. While exercise and a healthy diet can’t “cure” Alzheimer's, they can help
that begins after age 45 especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and
of the , an important part of the brain for memory and learning.6. Alleviate Anxiety
Quick Q&A: Which is better at relieving anxiety -- a warm bubble bath or a 20-minute jog? You might be surprised at the answer. The warm and fuzzy chemicals that are released during and after exercise can help people with
calm down. Hopping on the track or treadmill for some moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise (intervals, anyone?) can . And we thought intervals were just a good way to burn calories!7. Boost Brainpower
Those buff lab rats might be smarter than we think. Various studies on
and men have shown that
(aka ) and . Ready to apply for a Nobel Prize? Studies suggest that a tough workout
of a brain-derived protein (known as ) in the body, believed to help with decision making, higher thinking and learning. Smarty (spandex) pants, indeed.8. Sharpen Memory
Get ready to win big at Go Fish. Regular physical activity boosts memory and ability to learn new things. Getting sweaty
responsible for memory and learning. For this reason, research has linked children's
with level of physical fitness (take that, recess haters!). But exercise-based brainpower isn't just for kids. Even if it's not as fun as a game of Red Rover, working out can boost memory among grown-ups, too. A study showed that
retention among healthy adults.9. Help Control Addiction
The brain releases , the “reward chemical” in response to any form of pleasure, be that exercise, sex, drugs, alcohol or food. Unfortunately, some people become addicted to dopamine and dependent on the substances that produce it, like drugs or alcohol (and more rarely, food and sex). On the bright side, . Short exercise sessions can also effectively distract drug or , making them de-prioritize cravings (at least in the short term). Working out when on the wagon has other benefits, too. Alcohol abuse disrupts many body processes, including . As a result, alcoholics find they can't fall asleep (or stay asleep) without drinking. Exercise can help reboot the , helping people hit the hay at the right time.10. Increase Relaxation
Ever hit the hay after a long run or weight session at the gym? For some, a moderate workout can be the equivalent of a , . Moving around five to six hours before bedtime raises the body's . When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it.11. Get More Done
Feeling uninspired in the cubicle? The solution might be just a short
or jog away. Research shows that workers who take time for exercise on a regular basis are
than their more sedentary peers. While busy schedules can make it tough to squeeze in a gym session in the middle of the day, some experts believe that
is the ideal time for a workout due to the body's .12. Tap Into Creativity
Most people end a tough workout with a hot shower, but maybe we should be breaking out the colored pencils instead. A heart-pumping gym session can
afterwards. Supercharge post-workout inspiration by exercising
and interacting with nature (see benefit #4). Next time you need a burst of creative thinking,
or run to refresh the body and the brain at the same time.13. Inspire Others
Whether it's a pick-up game of soccer, a group class at the gym, or just a run with a friend, exercise rarely happens in a bubble. And that's good news for all of us. Studies show that most people perform better on aerobic tests when . Pin it to inspiration or good old-fashioned competition, nobody wants to let the other person down. In fact, being part of a team is so powerful that it can actually . Even fitness beginners can inspire each other to push harder during a sweat session, so find a workout buddy and get moving! Working out can have positive effects far beyond the gym (and beach season). Gaining self-confidence, getting out of a funk, and even thinking smarter are some of the motivations to take time for exercise on a regular basis.What inspires you to stay fit? Tell us in the comments below.
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