Exercise is a powerful tool for increasing our stamina, lean muscle mass, and heart strength, but did you know that it can also boost your mental clarity? Exercise is an amazing way to clear our minds, increase our focus and live a healthy, happy life.
Let’s look at five ways exercise boosts mental clarity:
Exercise Can Help Treat Depression and Anxiety
Many studies have shown the connection between regular exercise and decreased depression and anxiety. Endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical that is released during exercise, can help relieve tension, boost both physical and mental energy, and create feelings of calm and well-being. And you don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy these benefits! Starting with just 30 minutes of activity a day can help you enjoy these benefits.
In addition to helping reduce depression and anxiety, exercise can also help your addiction recovery. It is known that maintaining a regular exercise schedule or routine can help prevent relapse. This is because not only does exercising change your brain chemistry for the better but sticking to a regular routine and staying accountable for exercise helps provide the structure that recovering addicts need to stay sober.
Exercise Can Reduce Stress
Exercise is a natural stress reliever and is much healthier for you than using drugs or alcohol to relieve stress. Not only does a good sweat session release endorphins, but when you’re fully present it gives your brain a focus point to relieve any racing thoughts going through your head. There’s nothing more therapeutic than feeling your muscles stretch as you swim laps in the pool with nothing but the sound of the water and your breathing, or listening to your feet hit the ground with every step during a run. If lifting weights is more your style, feel the tension in your muscles and that uncomfortable push is where you get stronger, more fit, and more focused. If you’re stressed, head to the gym or outside to get some movement in.
Exercise Can Lead to a Sharper Memory
Want to know something even more amazing about exercise? It actually stimulates new brain cell growth in your brain, meaning that it can halt age-related memory loss. Not only do endorphins give you more energy and feel-good vibes, but they also help you concentrate and focus. Memory is one of the most important things our brain can do and exercise helps sharpen it.
Exercise Increases Self-Esteem and Confidence
Increased self-esteem and confidence comes from both the mental and physical enhancements of exercise. When your body feels good, your mind feels good too, and those who exercise may look better and therefore feel more confident. In addition, exercising regularly presents many small goals which you can reach and feel great about yourself. Even if it’s just doing a few more reps or going to the gym one more day a week than last time, these small milestones are great for your self-confidence.
Exercise Increases Energy Levels
Lastly, exercise increases your natural energy levels. This is both a mental and physical benefit of exercise because when you have more energy, you can focus more clearly on your daily tasks. Getting through the day is much easier when you have an energetic, upbeat attitude.
Exercise can boost your mental clarity by giving you more energy, self-confidence, and by serving as a natural stress relief and antidepressant. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for both your body and your mind.