Scientific studies show that exercise can benefit both our mental and body health. Even ten to fifteen minutes of exercise daily is enough to make us happy.
This is how exercise affects our psychology:
Improves the mood
Exercise activates certain chemical substances in the brain that make us feel happier and calmer. Team sports also offer an opportunity for socialization.
It helps in concentration
One of the reasons for which fitness is so important is that it helps us keep in shape our mental functions, such as concentration, as we grow older. We will begin to see the benefits if we combine aerobic exercise with strength training, 3-5 times a week, for at least 30 minutes,.
It reduces stress
When we are active, our mind escapes the stresses of everyday life and allows us to think more creatively. Exercise lowers the levels of stress hormones in the body, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also helps in the production of endorphins, which act as natural sedatives.
It prevents depression
Exercise can fight the symptoms of depression. 156 patients with depression participated in a Duke University study. They were divided into three groups: gymnastics alone, gymnastics and antidepressants, and antidepressants only. All three groups showed improvement, but the only gymnastics group had the lowest rates of depressive episodes.
It improves the sleep
Any form of physical activity can improve the quality of our sleep, helps us to relax and sleep faster and deeper. This, of course, helps us feel even better the next day, since good sleep and rest are important for good mood and energy. Just be careful and don’t exercise late at night.
It increases the confidence
Frequent exercise can lift off our confidence. We begin to feel better about ourselves , when our strength, endurance and abilities increase. With this renewed image of ourselves, it is easier to achieve our goals.
