Mastering Your Mind for Your Mental Health
Exercise for mental health.
Taking good care of your body is one of the most important things you can do to improve your mental well-being.
Why?
How we think and feel depends directly on how well our brain is functioning. A healthy, well-nourished and rested body provides the foundation for your mind to function at its best.
Aim to do a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. The activity you choose is up to you, but get moving.
Why?
Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals into the body, like endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals make you feel good, lift your mood, increase your energy levels and improve your sleep. Getting active also gives your general health and well-being a significant boost.
And…
Physical activity may help you grow new brain cells via a process called adult neurogenesis. Exercise stimulates factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1. These can support new neuron growth in areas of the brain related to memory and learning.
Challenge yourself and do something new! Joining your local gym can help your fitness and increase your social interactions in a positive like-minded environment.