The Benefits Of Using Exercise To Tackle Your Mental Health Problems
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Contributing post
As someone who cares a lot about my health & wellbeing, I often find myself thinking about mental health issues. They can come out of nowhere, and I think we all suffer from them - to a certain degree at some point in time.
Through working out and really getting involved in fitness, I’ve seen how much of a positive impact this lifestyle has on your mental wellbeing. It makes you feel so much better about yourself. After each workout and healthy meal, you feel so elated and happy. Even when you’re suffering from some tough metal health problems, exercising can provide a sense of relief.
This isn’t just my opinion, it’s actually proven that regular exercise will improve your mental wellbeing. Taking that into account, I want to speak about why it’s beneficial to use exercise/fitness to tackle your mental health problems - especially when compared to other alternatives.
It keeps you away from medication
If you suffer from really bad mental health issues, then you should see a doctor. While they can provide an emotional outlet and some help, they’re also guilty of giving you an easy way out. Doctors prescribe medication to treat issues like anxiety or depression - it usually comes in the form of a drug called Benzo.
It’s clear that this drug works, but it’s also clear that it creates a huge problem. If your mental health problems consume your life, then this drug becomes the only release. You become addicted to it, and you probably end up getting checked into a Benzo addiction rehab center. Obviously, exercise doesn’t come with these problems. If anything, it can help you out so much that you stay well clear of any potentially addictive medications.
You feel so much better about yourself
Exercise is proven to release chemicals in your brain that make you happy (endorphins). This is why we always feel so pumped and good about ourselves following a workout. Moreover, exercise can change our entire perception of ourselves. Many of your mental health issues can be rooted in your appearance. You hate the way you look, you’re self-conscious, and this leads to other problems.
Photo by Judeus Samson on Unsplash
By exercising, you can change the way you look and think. You start to see progress in the mirror every week. You notice a change in how you feel. It can create a brand new you; someone that you’ve learned to love and appreciate. This is the best way to combat so many mental demons as you attack the root of your problems. You don’t hide behind other treatments, you actively make changes that improve your mood and make you feel better and better every day.
Never underestimate the power of a good fitness routine. It won’t just improve your physical health, it will also help you combat mental health problems too. For me, it’s the best way to try and fight off your mental demons. Of course, you should explore other ideas as well. But, a fitness routine is free, it makes you feel so good, and you will definitely be in a better place because of it.
For more fitness inspiration and barre workouts visit Nadia Murdock Fit on Instagram @NadiaMurdock and the NMFIT Blog!