We all know that any form of physical activity can benefit our physique, but did you know it can also significantly affect your mental health?
By engaging in exercise, you're taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being too. Read on and find out:
- How lack of exercise can affect your mental health;
- The 5 mental and emotional benefits of exercise; and
- The top 3 supplements you can take to support your active lifestyle
How Does A Lack Of Exercise Affect Mental Health?
Look at it this way: if exercise can improve your physical and mental well-being, then the lack of it can contribute to a physical and mental downturn.
Here are some ways in which a lack of exercise can affect your mental well-being:
1. You can be more prone to anxiety and depression
The reason is simple – when we exercise, our body releases feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins, and a deficiency of this can cause anxiety or depression.
This is why engaging in any physical activity like walking, biking, or even shopping will help you feel better when you're overwhelmed by negative emotions.
2. Your brain struggles to solve problems
Any form of physical activity improves cognitive functions from attention span, memory and information processing, and academic performance to problem-solving.
This means a lack of physical activity can make you struggle to find motivation, commit to your responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
3. Your brain develops negative thought patterns
Physical inactivity can lead to decreased self-esteem. You may even start to feel less fun, productive, and energetic.
The worst thing is, once these thoughts begin to form, they can be quite hard to beat and, soon enough, become a cycle of putting yourself down.
4. You don't deal with stress very well
When you lack physical activity, your brain starts to release the stress hormone called cortisol, making it harder for you to manage your emotions more effectively.
As we know, too much of this stress hormone and failure to address it early on could lead to severe anxiety and depression.
5 Mental And Emotional Benefits Of Physical Activity
Aside from helping ease depression and anxiety, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve one's self-esteem, here are some other benefits of exercising to your emotional and mental health:
1. Promotes better sleep
If you're struggling with sleep, then exercise can definitely solve your woes. Physical activity helps regulate the circadian rhythm (the body's built-in clock that makes you feel alert or tired).
However, make sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon since exercising too close to your bedtime can make you feel more awake than sleepy.
2. Helps boost the brain's functions
That's right - exercise not only improves your physical attributes but affects your memory too. Cardiovascular exercise helps your brain to create new cells and prevents memory loss.
3. Helps reduce symptoms of ADHD
Regular exercise can reduce the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and improve memory, motivation, and concentration. Any form of physical activity can boost the brain's dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels - all of which could positively affect your attention and focus.
4. Helps improve your mood
Regular physical activity can reduce your negative thoughts and improve your mood. So the next time you feel down, hit the gym instead of sulking under your sheets or go window shopping with a friend.
5. Helps reduce symptoms of PTSD
Activities like sailing, hiking, biking, skiing, or rafting can help reduce symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). If you're working with a mental health provider, it's important to let them know your exercise goals that may be incorporated into your daily routine.
3 Best Workout Supplements
Naturally sourced supplements can help your body keep up with all the exercise and physical activities you're engaged in. Here are the 3 best supplements you can take before, during, and after your workout sessions:
1. Protein for fuel
Protein supplements can help your body build muscle and help your tissues to recover fast from all the intense training you've been doing.
The excellent news is Truly Grass Fed protein supplements provide whey with the fats and carbs filtered out, so you can be confident that you will only be getting pure grass-fed protein.
You can try various flavors like chocolate, cookies and cream, vanilla, mocha, and even strawberry!
Here's why Courtney shifted to drinking Earth Fed Muscle whey protein:
"I noticed an improvement in the flavor right away! It didn't have any sort of chalky flavor, which I've noticed from other protein powders in the past. I also love that the ingredients are minimal and I know what every single one is. The best part, for me, is that the beef that was grass fed, which means humanely raised and not filled with junk to fatten them up. Positive things all around!" - Courtney J., U.S.A
2. Pre-workout for energy and motivation
We all need a little push sometimes because even the best of us can have those "I want to stay in bed" days.
Just a scoop of Stammpede Pre-Workout can provide you with the motivation you need to get up and get moving!
Hear it from Phil who beats his procrastination with Stammpede Pre-Workout:
"I just love this product!! I was always a procrastinator when it came to working out, but after a cup of Stampede I and "amped-up" about my workout routine. It keeps me focused and gives me that energy boost I was always looking for. And I don't feel drained after my workouts like I usually do. Excellent product!! And I love the tangy lemon." - Phil, U.S.A
3. Elixir for electrolytes
When you exercise, you sweat a lot, and water isn't enough to replace your lost electrolytes. This is where Elixir Electrolyte Mix with Himalayan Sea Salt comes in.
It contains 3x more electrolytes than a regular sports drink and contains zero sugar! It also uses Himalayan sea salt, which provides more minerals than plain sodium.
Angela confirms how Elixir helps her brain and body:
"The flavor is truly amazing, and there's NO sugar or junk in it!! I use these electrolytes for 2 primary reasons: migraine prevention (electrolytes matter) and post-workout (depending on the intensity). Electrolytes are good for the brain & body!" - Angela M., U.S.A
Good Things Come To Those Who Exercise!
While work, family time, and sufficient rest are essential, you shouldn't take for granted the one thing that can benefit your physical, emotional, and mental well-being – exercise.
This will help enhance your physical attributes, memory and cognitive functions, and help you manage your emotions better.
As always, remember to take tried and tested supplements to ensure that you'll stay hydrated, recover faster, and have the motivation to get up and start working out.