Exercise to help your mental health

Mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with stressful moments in life, develop all their skills, and learn and function properly. It is a fundamental part of health and well-being that supports our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, form relationships, and shape the world in which we live. Therefore, it is essential that we do some physical activity that is responsible for stimulating the release of various hormones that help heal our mind.

For its part, regular and adequate physical activity, in which any body movement requires energy, can reduce the risk of many non-communicable diseases and disorders, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, as well as As depression.

1. There is a relationship between physical activity and mental health

Through exercise we stimulate the release of endorphins in our brain, which are secreted during and after physical exercise and induce a greater state of happiness and emotional well-being.

2. How much exercise should we be exercising to promote our mental health?

The answer definitely depends on age, although in reality, it’s not as much as one might think. There is no need to lock yourself in the gym for hours or spend all afternoon on the treadmill. All the benefits for physical and mental health can be achieved with 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week.

Additionally, this can be spread over two 15-minute or three 10-minute exercise sessions. Even a few minutes of physical activity is better than nothing. You can start with five to 10 minute sessions and gradually increase. The more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have, so you’ll eventually feel ready for a little more. The key is to commit to some physical activity most days.

3. Let’s go

All you need to do this exercise is a good pair of tennis shoes and great company. You can do it with a friend or family member and it’s ideal for socializing while getting your body active.

4. Swim

An ideal exercise for those who love water. This is one of the most complete physical activities. It can be combined with other exercises, such as aerobics in the same pool, which will help strengthen the muscles.

5. Cycle

To stay motivated, it can be done on a chosen route and with a group of people. If that is not possible, a stationary bike would be the best option to move your body without leaving the house.

6. Yoga

The best thing about this practice is that you don’t need to be an expert to practice it, as it has multiple levels of difficulty. You can start with the basics, simple but very thorough stretches and movements, ideal for strengthening muscles and clearing your mind.

7. Dance

Dance is a very fulfilling activity. It can be done with the rhythm of music and a good group of friends, and it will be enough to stay in shape. Moreover, it is ideal to do it as a couple, there you are accomplishing a double task: exercise to maintain good mental and physical health, and at the same time, spend quality time with your partner.