October 3, 2021: Mental Health and Fitness

My weekly Get Your Stuff Together Sunday email series gives you one actionable focus for the week that will make your life a little easier.

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Did you know that 1 in 5 adults will suffer from some form of mental illness? Or that 16 million American adults suffer from depression and 42 million live with an anxiety disorder? Worldwide, depression is the leading cause of disability, and 60% of those who suffer never seek help. This week, we’re going to talk about how exercise makes a significant impact on our mental health.

Stress Reduction

Our days can be so jam packed that it’s hard not to get stressed about getting everything done. Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. It increases the chemical that moderates the brain’s response to stress, norepinephrine. Exercise also boosts the body’s capacity to handle existing mental tension.

Endorphin Boost

Endorphins are the reason we feel happy and euphoric and exercise boosts the release of the hormone so much that doctors recommend it for people suffering with depression and anxiety. Research has found it can even alleviate symptoms from those clinically depressed.

Anxiety Relief

The chemicals released from exercise, endorphins and norepinephrine to name a few, help calm the brain and alleviate the anxious feelings. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great way to reduce anxiety sensitivity because your brain is focused on the quick paced intervals and keeps the anxious thoughts at bay.

Brain Booster

A strenuous workout session can increase the protein, BDNF, associated with decision making, higher thinking, and learning. Studies have also found that cardio exercise creates new brain cells and improves brain performance.

Addiction Control

Those who struggle with mental health issues have an increased chance of addiction issues, but exercise releases dopamine, the reward chemical, that addicts crave. Short sessions can limit dopamine cravings short term and helps aid in recovery.

Sleep Aid

Working out 5-6 hours before bedtime raises your body’s core temperature. When your body temperature returns to normal, it signals to the body that it’s time to sleep. A moderate workout a few hours before bed can even help people with insomnia, too.

Exercise is responsible for releasing a lot of chemicals that do a body and brain good. If you’re struggling with mental health, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine to boost the release of these chemicals. But don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you’re having a hard time getting into the right state of mind to even start. There are several outlets that can and will help turn things around.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about some popular squash varieties and one of my favorite recipes for each.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

My weekly GYSTS email give you one actionable thing to do for the week that will make you life a little easier. As "they" say, "Fail to plan; plan to fail." Get these emails (and more!) delivered right to your inbox by clicking HERE.