The Benefits of Exercise to Decrease Anxiety and Depression

Before, and certainly during, this season of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of social and physical isolation have proven detrimental to so many people’s physical and mental well-being. Now, more than ever, we all need to embrace the benefits of exercise to decrease anxiety and depression in our lives.

 

 

The Benefits of Exercise to Our Psychological Well-Being:

Studies have shown that exercise has proven beneficial to our physical and psychological well-being, whether done indoors or outdoors. The underlying effects of anxiety and depression have robbed many people of achieving and maintaining a balanced and abundant life.  The benefits of exercise for our mental and physical health are immeasurable!

 

 

Overall, exercising is one of the best “medicines” to improve your mental and physical health.  Incorporating traditional forms of exercise into our lifestyles needs to be viewed as necessary and an investment in our lives.  I know that, since exercising regularly, my mood and physical health have improved.  Sure, it’s not fun or necessarily easy to start and maintain an exercise program.

 

Viewing regular exercise as a positive lifestyle change (changing our mindset) and being just as important as other positive activities boost our motivation to minimize our anxiety and depression levels.  In an article of Medical News Today, due to the release of endorphins in our body during exercise, we can minimize our feelings of anxiety and depression.

 

Exercise Newbie?

You may be new to exercise, and that’s okay!  We all have to start somewhere!  You might be thinking, “I’m too old/ill/obese/busy/ (fill in the blank) to exercise!”.  Everyone can do (or have assistance performing) some form of exercise.  There are so many resources online that can help you get started and stay motivated.

 

 

 

Healthline.com has a great article that is a good beginner’s guide to working out (“How to Start Exercising: A Beginner’s Guide to Working Out”).

Walking Your Way to Better Health:

Also, the lack of funds is no excuse!  That’s because walking is one of the best overall exercises!  You can walk in the safety of your home, in your neighborhood, alone, or with others. Walking is a great exercise to start the beginning of a healthy lifestyle.  Even if you cannot walk or have difficulty getting around, there are exercises that you can safely perform.

 

 

You will start to see the overall benefits of having exercise as an essential part of your lifestyle. It’s vital to be patient with yourself when you first start– no one runs a marathon, cycles fifty miles, or hikes ten miles as a newbie to exercising.  Also, make exercising FUN!  Play music. Sing or dance.

 

 

  Just MOVE!

 

 

 

Here’s the Bottom Line:

Anxiety and depression have negative impacts on our overall quality of life.  Incorporating various forms of exercise into our lifestyle will reap the benefits of decreasing anxiety and depression for a lifetime!

We’re all on this life’s journey together. Let’s make the most of life and treat our mental and physical self as treasures to nurture and cherish!

 

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