A long to-do list of a student. The amount of work is highly stress inducing. (Remy Voogt, CMRU.ca).
In a world where the pace of life seems to be ever-accelerating, taking time to prioritize mental health has become important. Amongst the various strategies, one powerful and easily accessible tool seems to stand out: exercise.
Physical activity and mental well-being have a dynamic relationship. Their symbiotic nature offers lots of benefits.
The ‘feel-good’ hormone
Primarily, exercise has a strong ability to alleviate stress. Engaging in physical activities releases endorphins in the body: a ‘feel-good’ hormone that acts as a natural stress reliever. No matter the degree of intensity—short walk, fast run, calming yoga, or deep stretch— all exercise has a direct and positive impact on stress levels.
Catching some sleep
Additionally, partaking in regular physical activity helps with sleep quality, which is a major factor in regards to mental health. Exercise helps regulate sleeping patterns, which increases restfulness, improves mood and stress resiliency, while providing better functionality.
‘Stress less’ resources
It’s tricky to find which physical activity is best suited for each individual.
- The Mayo Clinic has a list of exercise examples that have been proven to reduce stress levels.
- The American Heart Association also has more examples of exercise, and the benefits included with each one.
From stress reduction and mood enhancement, to better sleep, there are many positives connected to physical activity. Life is busy, always throwing around challenges and stressors. Stress is inevitable, but the impact can be made lighter.
Exercising doesn’t have to take all day. It can be as much as just a 15 minute walk. A short engagement in physical activity leads to long lasting benefits on mental health.
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