The impact of mental wellness on our ability to manage stress and emotions as well as face the daily demands of life cannot be overstated. Interest in the various ways we can naturally support our mental wellness has grown substantially in recent years. Among the numerous ways we can assist our mental wellness through nature, physical activity is one of the most widely recognized and effective methods.
The lifestyle of many modern people has led to decreased opportunity for physical activity, thereby increasing their emotional stress and mental fatigue. As healthcare professionals continue to promote physical activity as an uncomplicated and easily adopted means to create and maintain mental balance, the evidence supporting this belief is rapidly increasing. Therefore, as individuals increase their amount of regular physical activity, they will notice improvement in their ability to maintain more stable moods, clearer thought processes and greater overall energy and vitality.
Through numerous published scientific studies, it has been established that regular exercise produces tangible evidence of the strong link between body and mind. Regular exercise has resulted in improvements in mood stability and clearer thought processes. Therefore, regular physical activity is a key component of mental wellness care.
This article will provide a natural method of achieving mental wellness through physical activity and describe how to obtain emotional wellness and maintain long-term mental health by incorporating exercise into their daily lives.
Physical Activity, Stress Reduction, and Brain Function
In addition to the release of endorphins, physical activity also lowers the body’s levels of the hormones that are released by our bodies when we are experiencing high levels of stress. The American Psychological Association has linked regular physical activity with significantly lower levels of anxiety symptoms and has shown that even a moderately active lifestyle can help individuals better cope with daily stress and emotional difficulties.
As a result of physical activity, regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, and therefore, provides a foundation for a stronger ability to recall and pay attention to memories and other important information during daily activities. The improvement of the connection between the brain and the body grows stronger over time, as a result of regular physical activity.
These improvements to emotional resilience and stress responses contribute significantly to the improvement of the way in which exercise affects the chemistry of the brain.
The Connection Between Physical Activity and Brain Health and Emotion
Through improving overall brain health and regulating emotions, physical activity is an avenue to support mental wellness. One mechanism is the constant delivery of oxygen to the brain cells which results in improved function of the neurons of the brain, making them more efficient at completing their job. This delivery of increased oxygen results in enhanced ability to learn and stabilize emotions.
Neuroscientists, like those at Harvard Medical School, have studied the way in which exercise has an effect on the ability of individuals to regulate emotions.
In addition, when individuals are regularly active, they are able to maintain healthy brain function, through a process of safeguarding against cognitive decline as individuals age.
These ways, on a brain level, show that when an individual is active through movement, he or she will achieve a natural emotional balance. Having an understanding of these effects will prepare individuals to begin exploring their habit of daily activity in the next chapter of this book.
Daily Physical Activity Habits and Emotional Well-Being
Many times, the simple act of getting out and about will help reduce mental fatigue, and will thereby help support a person’s ability to maintain emotional well-being while managing busy activities throughout the day. In a very short amount of time, the cumulative effect of performing small acts will create positive psychological benefits for the person.
According to health professionals from the World Health Organization, it is important for individuals to engage in regular physical activity (including movement) to improve the mind and body connection (body/mind) as well as improve one’s overall state of being (physical and mental well-being).
Regular physical activity for the daily occurrence will improve both the stress response, and stable emotional state of being. As suggested, research indicates that these health benefits apply across age groups and life styles. Light cardio such as short walks, light stretches, and/or gentle cycling will all assist in maintaining your mental activity.
Building Emotional Resilience Through Movement
As these daily habits develop; build emotional resilience as well as self-esteem or confidence over time. Activities that you find enjoyable help to support your sustainable emotional wellness over time.
Some individuals may find benefit from relaxing or calming forms of activity, while other individuals may find that they derive emotional benefits and/or joy from participating in more vigorous forms of physical activity (i.e. running, participating in group fitness sessions). These various types of activities that interact with one’s mind (mind-body connection) have different ways in which they provide their effects to the individuals involved.
Regular activity provides consistent emotional support through routine establishment. The long-term positive effect of exercise on brain adaptability supports the gradual process of individuals developing better emotional regulation.
Self-confidence gained through participation in physical activity will transfer into other areas of a person’s life. The ongoing development of emotional strength through the establishment of a physical activity routine reinforces the physical and emotional “mind” connection.
Through continued participation in physical activity, an individual can further develop his or her ability to manage stress in a consistent manner.
Regular Exercise as a Natural Stress Management Solution
Regular exercise (as opposed to only occasional) will further improve our ability to manage our own stress. These therapeutic approaches help alleviate the accumulating negative feelings associated with excess tension, thus promoting improved mood.
Mental Health Professionals have long Associated the Benefits of Exercise with Increased Awareness of Emotional State. Experts cited on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation State that Physical Activity Provides an Outlet for Regulating Emotions.
By creating these positive feelings within the individual, the connection between Mind Body is consistently Enhanced.
Creating Sustainable Mental Wellness Through Movement
Mental wellness can achieve sustainability when individuals bulk their physical activities into a long-term habit. A regular schedule allows individuals to maintain emotional equilibrium beyond short-term “impulses.” Creating habits locks in long-term benefits of exercise.
Experts in behavior from Johns Hopkins Medicine recommend setting realistic goals in the beginning for your movement. Starting with smaller and more attainable activities helps you develop adherence to your new movement habits. By doing so, you provide yourself an opportunity to protect your emotional state from areas that could lead to burnout.
Physical movement habits are reinforced best when they are integrated into natural places within one’s daily routine. By participating in meetings while walking, active breaks during the day, and/or professional stretching before bed, it encourages consistency. As a result, you will gradually build on your mind-body connection.
Tracking movement without pressure to achieve perfection will also result in better emotional wellness. The long-term success of tracking your movement and focusing on effort rather than perfection will enhance your ongoing sustainable motivation. Movement becomes less of a “task” to do, and more like “self-care” for one’s emotional health as it is integrated into a routine.
Endnote
The great news is that you do not need to perform vigorous exercise to achieve meaningful results with regards to physical activity.
