Exercise and mental wellbeing

If you experience the occasional bout of stress or anxiety, you are not alone. Thankfully, exercise can be a great way to help improve how you feel, supporting your mental wellbeing and helping to improve your cognitive function.

Let’s explore the positive benefits that exercise can have on mental wellbeing.

Reducing stress and anxiety

Exercise can be a useful tool for helping manage stress and anxiety. Physical movements stimulate the release of endorphins (known as ‘feel-good’ hormones), which can elevate your mood and lower feelings of sadness or anxiety.

Regular exercise can also increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood regulation, positive feelings, and motivation. When you exercise, you’ll enjoy more of these neurotransmitters, which can help lower feelings of stress and anxiety.

Improved cognitive function and memory

Exercise can help enhance cognitive function and stimulate growth in the areas of the brain that are responsible for memory. It can also help improve focus, concentration and decision-making skills.  Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the connections between cells.

Exercise may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Improved self-esteem

Poor self-esteem and body image can negatively impact mental health. Regular exercise can help promote a better self-image and self-esteem for enhanced confidence. Plus, when you reach a fitness goal that you’ve set for yourself, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.