Exercise and Mental Health: Do They Go Hand-in-Hand?

It’s a Saturday morning and you just finished your workout. Whether it was a walk around the neighborhood, a little dance break, or a bicycle ride. After finishing, you feel rejuvenated, energized, and ready to go for the day. Notice that not only does your body feel good, but your overall mindset does too! This is because exercise and mental health are woven together. When we exercise, not only are we benefiting our physical well-being, but we are benefiting our mental well-being too.

If you are ready to start an exercise routine but need some guidance on how to get your body moving, checkout our wide range of movement videos here at Movement Genius. From yoga, to cardio dance, to affirmation workouts, we have a little something for everyone. If you are not ready to fully commit, you can sign up for a FREE 7-day trial to try it out first. 

How does Exercise Affect Our Mental Health?

Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood, and boosting self-esteem. This is because exercise releases endorphins which are natural chemicals in the body that make us feel good. Additionally, exercise can provide a sense of accomplishment and control which can help individuals feel more empowered and confident. Regular exercise also promotes better sleep, which is crucial for good mental health. 

It's important to note that exercise should be used as a complement to other treatments and strategies for managing mental health conditions, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise routine.

Want some ideas of where to get started? Read our blog for some of the best exercises to improve mental health.

What Hormones are Affected by Exercise?

Exercise has the ability to affect multiple hormones within our bodies. Four of the main hormones affected are cortisol, insulin, adrenaline, and growth hormone. Cortisol and adrenaline are two of our body’s “stress hormones” and a regular exercise routine can actually lower these two hormones. In addition, physical activity can lower your blood sugar up to 24 hours or more after a workout by making your body more sensitive to insulin.

What Chemicals are Released When we Exercise?

You may have heard of the term “runner’s high”, which is a euphoric feeling many people experience after a run (or any aerobic exercise). Did you know that this feeling is actually because of endorphins being released into your bloodstream? Endorphins can help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your sense of well-being. That is why many people feel a sense of calm or stress relief after a workout. In addition, exercise can also enable your body to release serotonin and dopamine. These are known as the “happy hormone” or “feel-good hormones” because they promote mental well-being!

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