Healthy heart. Faster metabolism. Stronger bones. Leaner muscle mass. Exercise provides far-reaching benefits and most of us know the benefits of getting sweaty.

It goes without saying that exercise helps build cardiovascular fitness, trims the waistline, and tones the biceps. But did you know that apart from the physical benefits, exercise also provides lots of emotional benefits?

Here, we’re going to break down the mental benefits of exercise, so whenever you think of throwing in the towel, you will remember this and hit the gym or road ASAP.

Here are some emotional benefits of exercise you ought to know.

Increased Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

From losing weight to increasing muscle tone and losing weight, regular exercise provides no end of physical benefits. And on a basic level, being physically fit can boost your self-esteem and enhance a positive self-image.

Not only will you feel better but seeing the changes in your body will work a treat on your confidence. You’ll gain both physical strength and mental health as well. But, be sure to set yourself realistic goals so you can increase your confidence and motivation.

Reduces Stress

Tough day at work? Hit the gym or take a walk for a quick exercise.

One of the major benefits of exercise on mental health is that it helps relieve stress. Getting sweaty can help you manage your mental and physical stress.

It also increases the level of norepinephrine, a hormone that controls how your brain responds to stress. So feel free to work up some sweat — it can decrease stress and increase your body’s capacity to handle the existing mental tension.

Another stress reliever that also can work in conjunction with exercise is acupuncture. It also helps your body heal after workouts and can even prevent illness. A center like AcuDrHealing Medical Center offers these services, so if you’re interested in alternative medicine, don’t hesitate to look into one of these facilities.

Improved Mood

Anytime you’re feeling down in the mouth, take a walk. Research shows that walking briskly for around an hour daily thrice a week or 30 minutes daily five times a week can have a significant impact on symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.

You can also take an aerobics class. You’ll leave each session in a much-improved mood than when you came in. This is thanks to endorphins-hormones which trigger a feeling of happiness and euphoria.

If you can’t squeeze in a class daily, not to worry! Use the stairs for 10 minutes at lunch, take a few laps around your workplace on your afternoon break, and then take a walk around your neighborhood later.

You’ll be surprised at what a little vitamin D and exercise can do!

Sleep Better

After exercising, your body will need to recover. This will make you tire earlier and you’ll sleep more soundly all through the night as a result.

Our bodies recover when we sleep at night. Without sleep, you won’t achieve much when trying to get fit. Fortunately, your brain takes care of this on your behalf.

Alleviates Anxiety

What’s the better way to relieve anxiety — a 20-minute jog or a warm bubble bath? The answer might surprise you!

The fuzzy and warm chemicals your body releases during and after a workout can help relieve your feelings of anxiety. Hopping on the treadmill or track for some mild to high-intensity aerobic workout can ease your sensitivity to anxiety, so get moving!

Sharper Memory

Ready to win hands down at Go Fish? Well, regular exercise improves your memory and capacity to learn something new.

Working up a sweat boosts the production of cells responsible for learning and memory. For this reason, physical fitness levels have been shown to impact children’s brain development (take that, couch potatoes!).

But exercise doesn’t only boost brain power in children. It can also improve memory in adults, even if it’s not as exciting as a Red Rover game. In fact, one study suggests that running sprints boosts vocabulary retention in healthy adults.

Prevents Cognitive Decline

It’s sad but true — as we age, our brains become a bit…hazy. Since aging and degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s destroy brain cells, the head actually shrinks, losing various vital brain functions as a result.

While a healthy diet and exercise won’t cure Alzheimer’s, they may help protect your brain from cognitive decline that starts after the age of 45.

Exercising increases the brain chemicals that prevent the decline of the part of the brain in charge of memory and learning.

Better Social Life

Conditions like anxiety and depression can leave you very lonely, turning you into an introvert instead of the social butterfly you were before. In addition, having a poor self-image can make you become less social.

Working out helps you kill three birds with one stone since it relieves your anxiety and depression while boosting your self-esteem at the same time. This increases your confidence which, in turn, makes you socialize more.

Get More Energized

Tired by 2 pm? Working out regularly can increase your endurance and strengthen your muscles.

Exercise sends nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and improves your cardiovascular function. When your lungs and heart work more efficiently, you have more zing during the day.

So get moving so you can have that extra spring in your step!

Get Things Done

Studies reveal that just 10 minutes of physical activity can boost your mental strength and concentration. Take a quick walk or do some squats before having your morning coffee and going to work.

Think Positive

Working out makes you feel lively and over the moon. For instance, endurance athletes often report experiencing a “runner’s high.” This is a feeling of absolute euphoria or calm that sometimes takes over their body during a race.

This is down to the fact that running causes the brain to release a flood of endorphins — the hormone that brings feelings of warmth and fuzziness.

Get These Emotional Benefits of Exercise Today!

Exercise is the answer to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and thus one of the keys to personal growth and development.

Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine to ensure your health and safety. Then, go ahead and get sweaty to reap all the emotional benefits of exercise!

For more exercise tips to get you moving, click here!