The Link Between Physical Activity And Mental Health

Regular exercise is generally recognized to have a variety of beneficial health effects on the body, including a stronger heart, lungs, muscles, and bones as well as a lower risk of developing a number of ailments.

The effect of exercise on mental health is one advantage that is sometimes underestimated.

Numerous people may profit from exercise’s beneficial impacts on mental health, especially given the high incidence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues globally.

How is exercise beneficial for the brain?
When you go for a run, go to the gym, or engage in any other physical activity, a complicated chemical cascade takes place within your body, despite the fact that exercise may appear to be rather straightforward on the surface.

Several advantageous impacts on your brain are caused by this chemical chain reaction.

1. Releases neurotransmitters

Numerous vital neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, are released throughout your neurological system once you start exercising, depending on the intensity.

2. Endocannabinoids as well as endorphins

Endorphins are perhaps the neurotransmitters that come to mind when thinking of exercise. Endocannabinoids, a class of less well-known neurotransmitters, however, is crucial for your brain’s function during exercise.

3. Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has an effect on exercise.

When it comes to experiencing pleasure, dopamine is crucial. Additionally, it controls a number of bodily functions, including heart rate, sleep cycles, mood, attention, drive, working memory, learning, and pain perception.

4. Encourages neuroplasticity
The capacity of your brain and nervous system to alter their activity in response to internal or external stimuli is known as neuroplasticity.

This has a significant impact on acquiring new abilities, pastimes, and languages.

Source: Health Line

Also Read: The Impact Of Body Image On Mental Health And How To Encourage A Positive Mindset