Your mental health is just as, or in some cases even more, important than your physical health. Even though we are constantly bombarded by personal advice or medical articles regarding how we can improve our physical health, there are numerous methods you should use to assist your medical health. Most interestingly, there’s a way that you can knock both issues out at the same time. All you have to do is understand that your mental health can be enhanced when you exercise.

So, you aren’t only benefitting your muscles or cardiovascular health, you’re also relieving stress, improving confidence, boosting chemical happiness, and more! Read on to learn more about how exercise can improve your mental health.

Release Those Endorphins

It isn’t all theory. Science has studied how exercising releases endorphins, chemicals that create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Those who are clinically depressed or have anxiety have alleviated symptoms through exercise. You don’t even have to hit the gym everyday. Thirty minutes of exercise a few times a week can boost your mood dramatically.

Have Some Fun Outside 

Enjoy some time in the great outdoors, not just for the beautiful scenery, but also to grab some Vitamin D. Soaking up the sun (while wearing sunscreen) can decrease your risk of depression. Try fitting in a jog, outdoor yoga, or bike ride the next time you exercise.

Keep Your Mind Moving

Studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can actually create new brain cells. So maybe that’s why your athletic friends still seem to do well in school even though they spend an hour at they gym instead of the library. Exercise even helps with decision making, higher thinking, and learning by boosting brain derived protein.

Decrease Stress Levels

You may already know that stress levels decrease when you exercise. In fact, you might have felt it yourself already. But, that’s not all just in your head. Exercise promotes concentrations of norepinephrine, moderating your brain’s natural response to stress.

Improve Confidence

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt extremely confident in who you are? That’s the feeling you’ll get with consistent exercise. You’ll look and, most significantly, feel confident. Exercise helps to build your self-esteem and self-image. Give yourself some self-love.

Exercise For Your Future

As you get older, your brain’s function begins to take an unfortunate decline. Degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s hinder the brain, your memory, and learning ability. And although exercise is not a cure-all for cognitive decline, it is a way to support your hippocampus, the part of the brain for memory and learning. Plus, it’s never too early to plan. You begin to lose brain function as early as 45. So, if you’re aged 25 to 45, exercise could be imperative.

If you want to take a hold of your mental and physical health, then you may want to begin with exercise. However, if you are experiencing serious mental health issues, relationship problems, or other internal struggles you may want to seek the help of a qualified professional. Enlisting the help of therapy from a local counselor is important when dealing with your health.