The month of September was National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020. While there are numerous benefits of exercising, the benefits don’t stop at building muscles or endurance. Did you know that working out can be extremely beneficial for your mental health? Exercising has been found to reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance memory, and even reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here are Innovative Fitness, we acknowledge the wide range of benefits of exercising.
When exercising, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. While endorphins affect the body in many ways, one of the most important things that they do is trigger a positive feeling in the body that can diminish the perception of pain. Exercising also increases self-confidence. The pain that endorphins affect is not only physical pain, but also mental pain. Exercise not only benefits those who suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depression, but also for individuals with ADHD. Exercising improves attention, decision-making, and personal growth!
Exercise is an effective and common coping mechanism that mental health professionals recommend clients implement into their lives. Exercise could include dancing, swimming, walking, yoga, or playing a sport. Even simple housework or yardwork can release beneficial endorphins into your body. No matter the activity you choose, make sure it is something you enjoy and is fun!!
There are numerous benefits to exercise, both physically and mentally! It is important to find an activity that you enjoy and stay consistent with your effort in order to see the best results on your mind and muscles.
National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month