HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

Improving your physique is one goal of motivating yourself to exercise, but being physically active also helps to better your mental wellbeing.

How does exercising affect the brain?

Exercise affects your brain by causing “feel good” chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin, to be released, which leads to an improvement in your mood.

Regular physical activity can help you feel, and sleep better and even lead to:

• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Lower stress levels
• Improved self-esteem
• Improved memory
• Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation

Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and some common cancers like kidney, colon, lung, and more.

How to get started

• Keep it simple. It is recommended that adults, those 18 years of age or older, get an average of 150 minutes of mid-intensity exercise per week. This could look like going on a walk, riding your bike, yoga, dancing, or swimming. It’s important to remember that some daily activity is better than none.
• Do something you enjoy. Nobody wants to continue to do something if they dislike it, which is why finding an exercise you enjoy will help you stay motivated to reach your goals and could cause you to look forward to that part of your day.
• Set realistic goals. When getting started, it is important that you start slow and set realistic goals for yourself, especially if you are new to exercising. This will help you stay motivated and make exercise a part of your daily routine.
• Invite your friends or family. Exercising with your friends or family can make it more enjoyable and can even help you stick to a workout routine. Making exercise a social experience can also reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Sources: nih.gov, healthdirect.gov, helpguide.org