How Exercise Can Help You Both Physically and Mentally

It’s no secret that exercise and a balanced diet are good for you. The importance of a healthy lifestyle is drilled into us from an early age. However, in recent years, the importance of our mental health has entered the conversation too.

Regular exercise can improve your mood, sleep, energy and reduce your risk of many health conditions. Unfortunately, many people struggle to enjoy exercise and do not reap its benefits. 

Here are a few ways exercise can help your physical and mental health. 

Prevents weight gain

Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid excess weight gain. Exercise burns calories – and you can lose weight when you enter a calorie deficit. Many people struggle to get enough exercise every day. To squeeze in extra exercise, you can make small lifestyle changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  

Manages health problems 

Exercise can prevent or manage various health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression and cancer. You could start by increasing your steps each day. Try to aim for 10,000 steps a day by walking to your destination instead of driving. You could get off the bus one stop early and walk to the rest of the way. Remember to stay safe and alert on your walks. 

Small doses of light exercise can also help your body to heal after an accident. If you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. 

Improves sleep

It seems like everyone struggles with sleep these days. We work too much, squeeze in social commitments and rarely make enough time for sleep. Exercise can improve the quality of your sleep and your energy levels throughout the day. 

You need to find a regular sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends. Your body will adjust to the routine, and you will fall asleep in no time at all. Try to wind down before you go to bed every night. Stay clear of artificial light and read a book or listen to a podcast instead. You could take a warm bath to relax or drink a sleepy tea. Find what works for you and your body. 

Reduce stress

Use exercise as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. Exercise boosts your mood and releases happy hormones in your body. You could start a boxing class after work to release the stress built up throughout the day. You could do yoga on the weekend to calm your mind and reset for the week ahead. 

Exercise regularly to improve your mental and physical health.