5 Key Benefits of Exercise for Your Health and Mind

A majority of adults exercise less than 30 minutes a day.

Did you know more than 80% of adults don’t meet government guidelines for exercise?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. As a general rule of thumb, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.

Exercise can help boost your mood, your outlook on life, and your overall health and well-being.

Exercise can give you these five benefits.

1. Sharper memory and thinking

Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related memory loss. Exercise promotes neurotrophins production, leading to greater brain plasticity, and therefore, better memory and learning. Research has shown exercise increases the secretion of neuroprotective proteins and improves the development of neurons. This leads to improved brain health.

2. Higher self-esteem

Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body, and soul. When it becomes a habit, it can foster your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful. You’ll feel better about your appearance and, by meeting even small exercise goals, you’ll feel a sense of achievement.

3. Improves your mood

Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals called endorphins that leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious. These endorphins improve your mood because you have “feel good” chemicals running throughout your body. Physical activity reduces your anxiety and heightens your mood. It improves your brainpower.

4. Increases your energy

Exercise stimulates delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your body. When your heart and lungs improve, you have more energy. Physical activity will get your heart rate up and the blood flowing. The release of endorphins raises your energy level. Good cardiovascular exercises such as hiking, running, biking, and rowing give you more stamina, strengthening your heart.

5. Promotes better sleep

Exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Sleep is vital to our overall health and well-being. However, most of us don’t get enough of it. It makes us more productive. It helps us feel energized and alert the next day. Sleep helps us control our metabolism and weight. It also prevents cardiovascular diseases and boosts our immune system.

Bringing it all together

The bottom line is that physical activity will help make you feel better about things and relieve your stress. It will help you lift your spirits. Start with just a few minutes of exercise per day, and increase your workout as you feel more energized. It’s important to make regular physical activity a part of your lifestyle.