+ H E R H E A LT H
6 EXERCISES THAT CAN IMPROVE
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH BY HANNAH CHALKER
Exercise has been proven to promote mental wellness alongside physical health. Exercise can improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative moods by improving your self-esteem and cognitive functioning. Thirty minutes of exercise a day has been proven to help alleviate poor mental health, even if that means you just take three 10 minutes walks every day. Here is a list of six exercises and how they can improve your mental health.
YOGA
CYCLING
RUNNING
According to the American Psychological Association, yoga is beneficial in helping ease stress. Yoga can help eliminate high stress levels for people with uncontrollable negative thoughts that are prevalent with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Yoga can provide a sense of relaxation that relieves stress and anxiety. One of the main reasons that yoga can stimulate better mental health is because it is a type of exercise that integrates both the body and mind.
Exercises that focus on motor skills are super important for improving the health of white matter in the brain, which is important for helping the brain process thoughts more clearly. Regular exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells which allows for the brain to focus better and learn quicker. Cycling may be a good exercise for those suffering from ADHD. Spin classes also give you a chance to form new friendships with fellow classmates.
People with depression can suffer from a lack of motivation. While it can be difficult to find the motivation to workout, some exercises actually provide you with a boost of energy. Runners can experience what is called a “runner’s high,” which is a sense of clarity that one feels after a jog. Running can provide you with the perfect time to process complicated thoughts, giving you a clear head when you’re done.
38 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER H ealth
hers-magazine.com
