Temitope had always been an ambitious and driven young woman. However, lately, a cloud of persistent anxiety and low moods loomed over her which she couldn’t know the cause. Endless scrolling through social media feeds, comparing herself to the seemingly perfect lives of others. These constant comparisons left her feeling inadequate and unworthy, affecting her self-esteem and mental well-being.
The weight of her emotions became overwhelming, leading Temitope to confide in her parents about her struggles. Concerned and caring, they immediately sought professional help and arranged for her to see a therapist specializing in cognitive-behavioral techniques.
During her therapy sessions, the therapist encouraged Temitope to engage in various activities to help manage her thoughts and emotions. At the forefront of the recommended activities was incorporating regular exercise into her routine.
With a determined spirit, Temitope decided to take charge of her mental health journey. She embarked on a newfound commitment to physical fitness, starting with gym sessions three times a week and daily brisk walks that allowed her to reconnect with nature and clear her mind.
Initially, the impact of exercise seemed subtle. However, as she persisted with her routine, something remarkable began to happen. Temitope noticed a gradual shift in her perspective. The once turbulent thoughts started to lose their grip on her mind. With each workout and outdoor walk, she found solace and moments of clarity.
As the weeks turned into months, the transformation became evident. Not only did Temitope feel physically stronger, but she also experienced a significant improvement in her mental well-being. The endorphin release from exercise uplifted her mood, offering a natural boost of positivity that she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Although mental and physical health are often seen as separate entities they are greatly interwoven and both impact an individual’s overall wellbeing significantly. Physical exercise is a known tool used in managing and dealing with feelings of anxiety, depression, low moods etc.
Ways in which exercise affects an individual’s mental health include;
(i) Reduction in stress levels
(ii) Release of feel-good hormones (endorphins)
(iii) Improvement in mood as a result of regular exercise.
(iv) Improvement in sleep quality
Contrary to what many may believe, exercise actually helps to make you feel less stressed. Due to the contraction and relaxation of muscles that occur during exercise, the tension caused by stress on the muscles are released. As the muscles release tension, they send signals to the brain that lessen the psychological effect of stress thus making the individual feel more relieved and relaxed.
Exercise also reduces the production of a stress hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Its role is to help the body cope and deal with stress. However, when cortisol levels are elevated for a prolonged period of time, it can be harmful to the body and lead to even further stress. Exercise helps to regulate the production of cortisol thus keeping it from being elevated for a long period of time.
During exercise, a set of hormones called endorphins aka, feel good hormones are also released. These hormones are sometimes referred to as natural mood boosters. They send signals to the brain that makes the individual feel happy and puts them in a better state of mind. When exercise is done frequently the feelings caused by endorphins are more long-lasting.
Exercise is also known to reduce stress and anxiety and these two mental illnesses contribute largely to sleep problems. Exercise is also known to regulate something called the circadian rhythm (the bodies internal clock) which is known to dictate the body’s sleep-wake cycle as a result, an individual can fall asleep easily and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
1. Some factors that may make developing a frequent exercise habit difficult include, busy schedules, lack of motivation or financial constraints however in other to develop a consistent exercise habit here are some tips that can help
2. Prioritize and schedule exercise
3. Set realistic goals and find enjoyable forms of exercise
4. Explore affordable options
5. Exercise with friends or family.
6. Utilise fitness apps to help keep you accountable
In conclusion, exercise greatly affects your mental health and if incorporated into your daily routine, you are sure to see tremendous results. Consistent exercise might just be the link to the mood stability and peace of mind you’re seeking.
Make a commitment today to engage in a form of exercise daily and thank me later!
