Physical activity and mental health have a close and intimate relationship where they motivate, influence, and help each other. I know, aaaawww! Let’s talk about some of the advantages of building the habit and staying consistent with a regular physical activity or form of movement has on your mental health:
- It cause the brain to release endorphins that improve mood and a greater sense of well-being
- It helps you reduce cortisol levels, which can lead to a decrease in stress and anxiety.
- Being able to connect with movement improve the sense of connection with yourself, boosting confidence and fighting body image issues
- Improve cognitive functioning because you are using several coordination skills that put your brain to work and encourage neuroplasticity.
- It will improve your body’s recovery functions to work better.
And this is just getting started; physical activity goes beyond what it can do for your body, viewing it as a way to connect with yourself. It brings so much more because it allows you to see and experience aspects of yourself that require patience, like showing up and staying consistent. It helps build a unique set of skills to help you in other areas of your life, like time management, tolerance to frustration, and creativity. It is one of the fewer spaces where you show up with yourself to acknowledge your abilities and drive.
While it might be hard at the beginning because it also brings out a lot of the shadow and stigma, engaging in and liking a physical activity shows people what they are capable of overcoming when they show up for themselves, and I find that quite inspiring.
Fernanda de Alba, LCPC
Fernanda’s Instagram: Followyourwellness