Exercise for your mental health

I know most of us who do exercise regularly do it for the physical benefits. A healthy heart, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, slimmer waistline, these are some of the reasons we get our bodies moving and grooving.  However exercise is also an awesome way to improve your mental health too.

Exercise can be viewed as a preventative activity that may actually help prevent physical and emotional conditions. Even short bursts of activity help individuals feel better, which means that you don't have to spend hours at the gym to gain real mental health benefits.


One reason for the feelings of well-being that are generated during and after exercise: the body's natural release of endorphins. These chemicals released by the brain are the body's natural painkillers and can lead to an increase in feelings of happiness. Exercise leads to an increase in energy and to better sleeping patterns, which may also explain why it is so helpful to people with depression. Low energy and poor sleep are common symptoms of depression.

The side effects of exercise happen to be much better than some of the negative side effects of prescription medications as well.  When you exercise you will also start feeling more confident in yourself.  You will start to look better and feel better.  You may lose the excess weight you've been carrying around instead of putting on pounds associated with certain medications. And most people who exercise regularly report that their libido picks up too (drop in libido has long been associated with certain medications).

Now, there will still be people who do need medication.  This post isn't meant to say that everyone can stop taking their medicine.  It just mean to point out some positives to staying active.

You;re never too old to start exercise either.  As long as your doctor gives you the okay, you can start exercising at any age.  I've seen people start in their 70s and they feel wonderful.  You just need to start slow if you've never exercised before.

Okay, I know some of you may get intimidated when I talk about a program like P90X or Insanity.  You don't need to start off at that level.  Just make a decision to do something like walking for 10 minutes, or taking the stairs whenever possible.  Gradually increase the amount of time you exercise and the intensity as you get better at it.

Here are a few suggestion I have for people just starting out and want to try a Beachbody program, but not ready for the intesity of P90X:

Rockin Body by Shaun T.
Slim in 6 by Debbie Siebers
Turbo Jam by Chalene Johnson
10-Minute Trainer by Tony Horton
Power 90 by Tony Horton
Yoga Booty Ballet Ab & Butt Makeover by Gillian and Teigh 

The workouts I listed above are just suggestions for getting started.  And they still provide a challenge too.  They're not too easy, you need to do some work.  And walking, running, bike riding and swimming are all excellent activities as well.  Mix them up and have fun!  Don't worry about getting it perfect, just do it!

I'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment below.