Exercise is not only essential for maintaining physical fitness, but it also has some incredible positive effects on your mental health. Regular workouts can boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and lower depression levels. The benefits of exercise on mental health have been widely documented, and many people are using physical activity as an alternative or supplement to medication and therapy. If you want to start working out to improve your mental health, here are five suggestions to get you started.
Yoga
Practicing yoga is one of the best ways to get a good workout, reduce stress, and achieve mindfulness. Yoga is an ancient practice that incorporates stretching, breathing, and meditation. It has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase body awareness. You don’t need to be a yogi to do yoga; you can start with a beginner’s class or a simple YouTube video.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve your mental and physical health. Walking outdoors, in particular, has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Getting fresh air and natural sunlight exposure has been shown to boost mood and alleviate depression symptoms. Try to aim for 30 minutes of walking per day.
Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas are a great way to relax, relieve stress and improve your mental health. Infrared saunas have been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Infrared heat has also been shown to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help with muscle recovery, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. You can visit your local spa, gym, or purchase an infrared sauna for home use.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a form of training that is known for boosting your metabolism, burning fat, and building muscle. But, it can also have a significant impact on your mental health. HIIT workouts have been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and relieve stress. This is because HIIT workouts release endorphins, which are natural “feel-good” chemicals in the body. HIIT workouts can be done at home or in the gym and typically last around 30 minutes.
Group Fitness Classes
Group fitness classes, such as Zumba, spinning, or kickboxing, can be a fun and sociable way to work out and improve your mental health. Group fitness classes provide a sense of community, support, and motivation which can help reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. Group classes have been shown to be more effective than solo workouts, as they also provide a sense of accountability and consistency.
Working out can be a great tool for improving your mental health and well-being. These five suggestions; Yoga, walking, infrared saunas, HIIT, and group fitness classes can all have a significant impact on your mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depression symptoms. Try incorporating some of these activities into your workout routine to experience the benefits of regular exercise on your mental health. Always remember to consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise regimen.
