What are the benefits of exercise for mental and physical health

Exercise is one of the best habits for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Exercise can help improve your physical health by increasing energy levels, improving cardiovascular health, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles, and more. Along with this, it can also be very beneficial for your mental health. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and promote better sleep and cognitive function. To benefit from the many health benefits of physical exercise, we encourage you to practice at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week (as suggested by the WHO ). Read on as we delve deeper into the various mental and physical health benefits of regular exercise.

5 mental health benefits of exercise

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

Exercise helps release endorphins in the body, which are natural mood elevators. These chemicals help reduce stress and also minimize anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. Physical activity can also reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for releasing a stress response in your body.

2. Improves mood

Regular exercise has been proven to improve mood and is often recommended for managing depression. It helps increase the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for regulating emotions and creating a positive thought process.

3. Improves cognitive function

Exercise helps improve brain function because it increases blood flow and oxygen to your brain. It further supports memory, concentration and decision-making. It also reduces your risk of cognitive decline as you age.

4. Increases self-esteem

Achieving your fitness goals provides a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem that can benefit mental health. Regular exercise helps improve body image and helps people feel more confident in their abilities.

5. Promotes better sleep

Physical activity can also help regulate your sleep patterns by reducing insomnia symptoms and improving your sleep quality. It inculcates deep sleep, essential for physical recovery and mental rejuvenation.

5 benefits of exercise for physical health

1. Improves Heart Health

Exercise can strengthen your heart muscles, lower blood pressure and improve circulation in the body. Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

2. Supports Weight Management

Exercise burns calories, boosts metabolism and helps regulate body weight. When combined with a balanced diet, it is an essential part of helping to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.

3. Strengthens muscles and bones

Strength training and resistance exercises can help increase bone density and muscle strength. This further reduces the risk of osteoporosis and prevents age-related muscle loss. In return, this also ensures better balance and mobility.

4. Improves immune function

Moderate exercise can strengthen your immune system by improving the circulation of immune cells and making the body more effective at fighting infections and reducing inflammation.

5. Increases energy levels

Exercise improves endurance and reduces the feeling of fatigue by improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. It also supports better mitochondrial function, essential for energy production at the cellular level.

By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can experience profound benefits for your mental and physical health, improving your overall quality of life.

Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.