Feel Down? Get Up—Emotional Benefits of Exercise

In a recent article, Go4Life, discusses research showing that the benefits of exercise go far beyond just physical wellbeing. 

It is common knowledge that exercise helps physical health, but did you know that exercise helps support emotional and mental health as well? In a recent article, Go4Life, an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, discussed research showing that the benefits of exercise go far beyond just physical wellbeing.

According to the article, physical activity can help:

  • Reduce feelings of depression and stress, while improving your mood and overall emotional well-being.
  • Increase your energy level.
  • Improve sleep.
  • Empower you to feel more in control.

The article also offers several exercise ideas to help you lift your mood:

  • Walking, bicycling, or dancing. Endurance activities increase your breathing, get your heart pumping, and also boost chemicals in your body that may improve mood.
  • Yoga. A mind and body practice that typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation.
  • Tai Chi. A “moving meditation” that involves shifting the body slowly, gently, and precisely, while breathing deeply.
  • Activities you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening, playing tennis, kicking around a soccer ball with your grandchildren, or something else, choose an activity you want to do, not have to do.

Read the full article: Feel Down? Get Up—Emotional Benefits of Exercise

For other Wellness Wednesday content, visit: