How Does Exercise Decrease Anxiety?
There has been a lot of research on understanding the effects of exercise on the mind and body. These studies have proven that moderate amounts of exercise on most days reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, improves memory and decreases anxiety. But just how does physical activity really decrease anxiety? It is all about how exercise changes your brain on the cellular level.
When you exercise, your heart pumps more oxygen and blood to the brain where endorphins and serotonin, or feel good hormones, are released. These hormones are responsible for boosting our mood and making us feel happier. With more oxygen in your brain, new brain cells are able to grow and connect, which increase your memory and focus. It is also with exercise that blood flow to our other organs helps to decrease the stress hormones that cause anxiety and stress.
Have you noticed that when you are exercising, your mind starts to focus on the rhythm or motion of this physical activity? Focusing on the physical task or your breathing can help keep you calm and your mind optimistic. This mirrors the effects of meditation in relieving stress. We are often told to be mindful of our breath. Your breath is connected to every part of your body, including our feelings, muscles and heart. When we are exercising, we tend not to feel anxiety because our breath is connecting to other things like our muscles.
The American Heart Association suggests that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. It is also recommended that we spend less time-sitting. Light intensity activity like taking quick breaks to get up every couple of hours will prevent the risk of becoming sedentary.
With any exercise program, please make sure you consult your doctor first so that a custom plan can be created that best fit's your health and wellness goals.
So what are we waiting for? Let's get moving....
Now is a great time to let us know how we can achieve this with you. Since we are not physically together using equipment in our branches, let us know how we can help? What equipment do you have at home you’d like to know how to use better? What Y at Home LIVE Virtual classes have you taken/ What Y at home virtual classes would you like to see? Let us achieve success with you.
