Are you been feeling down lately? Can’t sleep at night? Overthink a lot or seem like you’re carrying the world on your shoulder? We all have bad days sometimes, but if you’re having more than a few bad days in a row, it might be time to start thinking about your mental health. Signs of bad mental health can be subtle. Hence, it’s essential to know what to look for. 

So how can you improve your mental health and have a positive outlook or approach in life? 

We are all aware of how exercise can improve our physical health, but what about our mental health? It turns out that working out can help manage anxiety, depression, and improve your overall mood. Working out is defined as “bodily or mental exertion, especially for training or health improvement.” In contrast, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mental health can be defined as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions.” People who work out regularly frequently do so because it makes them feel good. However, it has numerous psychological benefits and numerous reasons why it is beneficial to an individual. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Sharper memory and thinking – Endorphins, which make you feel better, also help you concentrate and stay mentally alert for tasks at hand. Exercise also promotes the formation of new brain cells and aids in the prevention of age-related decline.
• Higher self-esteem – Regular physical activity is an investment in the mind, body, and soul. When it becomes a habit, it can boost your self-esteem and make you feel strong. You’ll feel better about your appearance and a sense of accomplishment if you meet even small exercise goals.
• Better sleep – Even short bursts of exercise in the morning or afternoon can aid in the regulation of your sleep patterns. If you prefer to exercise at night, relaxing exercises like yoga or gentle stretching can aid in sleep.
• Stronger resilience – When confronted with mental or emotional challenges in life, exercise can help you build resilience and cope in a healthy way, rather than turning to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors that only make your symptoms worse. Exercise regularly can also help boost your immune system and reduce the impact of stress.

We’ve seen that working out has a plethora of benefits for our mental health, from reducing stress levels to helping us sleep better. It can also boost our mood and increase feelings of self-confidence. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve your mental health, start by adding regular exercise into your routine; start small by adding just 10 or 15 minutes of exercise to your day.  Working out doesn’t have to be strenuous or time-consuming – even moderate amounts of activity can make a big difference in your mood and well-being. It’s so important that we take care of our minds as much, if not more, than the body.

Not sure where to start? We at Whole Strength CrossFit & Nutrition and Nutrition are here to help you start on your journey not just for physical health but also with your mental health.