Don’t have time for exercise? What if we told you that exercise adds time to your days?
Yes, it does! Exercise makes you feel more happy and energetic. And that’s how you can do more in less time.
Here are the six ways exercise can improve mental health.
1. More Energy
Numerous research studies have shown that exercise gives us more energy. Our body cells contain mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell. And physical exercise aids in the development of new mitochondria, increasing the power in our bodies.
This increased energy can be applied physically but also mentally to solve complex work problems. And the best part, you don’t need to work your butt off. Research shows that even a low-intensity workout increases energy by the same amount as a high-intensity workout [1].
2. More Confidence
It’s common sense that exercise makes you feel good about yourself. And when you feel good, you are more confident. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in our body and as a result we feel more happy and confident.
Moreover, exercise as an activity gives us a sense of achievement. We feel proud of completing that extra set that seemed so dreadful in the beginning. With each “argh” and “grrr” that people make inside the gym, they slay their inner demons and feed their mind with strength.
3. Mental Toughness
If you want to achieve something great, you need to have a high threshold for pain. And exercise helps you build this threshold effectively. When you set a goal to do more reps than yesterday, you push yourself out of your comfort zone and increase your pain threshold.
Muhammad Ali was once asked, “How many sit-ups you do?” And he replied, “I don’t know, I don’t count my sit-ups. I start counting when it hurts and I feel pain, because those are what really count and makes you a champion.”
Therefore, it is clear that exercise can improve mental health by making you mentally tough.
4. More Creativity and Intelligence
This may sound strange, but exercise makes you more creative and intelligent both in the short-term and the long-term. Research published in Creativity Research Journal showed that creative potential is high when people do aerobic exercise as compared to when they don’t [2].
Exercise generates more brain cells and therefore gives us the potential to solve more complex problems [3]. Don’t believe us? Go for a run and find out!
5. Less Stress, More Happiness
Everyone has to deal with stress. Some worry about work, others worry about their children. But if you want to stay sane and come out as a champion amidst this 24×7 stress dungeon, you’ve got to exercise a few days a week.
The endorphins released will make you happy and as a result, your relationships with coworkers and family will become more rich and satisfying. You’ll feel more in control at work and more relaxed at home. So exercise can improve mental health and make you happier.
6. Better Sleep
During sleep, your body recharges your brain, repairs brain cells and releases nourishing hormones. Research has shown that moderate physical activity reduces the time required to fall asleep and increases the quality of your sleep by a significant margin even in people who suffer from insomnia [4].
In an interview with Chase Jarvis, Tim Ferriss revealed that after interviewing 200 successful people around the world, he found that they prioritize their sleep and use tools to deepen sleep.
In an interview with Chase Jarvis, Tim Ferriss revealed that after interviewing 200 successful people around the world, he found that they prioritize their sleep and use tools to deepen sleep.
Therefore exercise can improve mental health. It makes you FORGET all the reasons why YOU CAN’T and empowers you with all the reasons YOU CAN.