Exercises are not merely important for the body but it is also important for your mind. According to a recent study, exercise is beneficial for mental health as it reduces anxiety, depression, and boosts your mental health. Not only that but it also helps in improving self-esteem and cognitive function.
For building the arm muscles you have to do pushups or any other arm exercises. Likewise for improving the mental health you need to engage yourself in those exercises that are specifically for your brain. What are these exercises? To find an answer to this question I contacted my father’s friend who is a certified psychiatrist in Karachi and he told me about 7 exercises that can boost mental health.
List of 7 Best Mental Health Exercises
Exercises that are best for improving your mental health are yoga, walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, workout, and mobile games. How do these exercises contribute to mental health? Let’s get into the detail below to find out.
1.Yoga
If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress then you have to try yoga. I personally like yoga because you don’t need heavy equipment to start with this exercise. Yoga consists of breathing exercises and specific body movements that build strength and muscles. This exercise is best suitable for those who are dealing with mental health issues.
Yoga improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation in the mind. The breathing exercise helps in controlling stress and anxiety. The best time to do yoga is early in the morning as in the morning, the air is fresh and breathing exercises are effective.
2. Walking
Mental health can be improved by doing simple exercises like walking. Walking is an underrated exercise, however, it has many benefits. Walking is helpful for improving sleep quality, mood, and self-esteem. To fight any mental health issue you have to develop and improve your self-esteem therefore walking is the simplest solution for that.
Therefore next time when you hit the snooze button, remind yourself of the major benefits of this simple exercise.
3.Swimming
Swimming is also helpful for your mental health. Surprised? I was too however the reality cannot be changed. Swimming improves mental health by releasing the endorphins in your body which are hormones that are responsible for your happiness and well-being.
Just half an hour of swimming can create a positive change in your mind. Walking, swimming, and yoga are also suitable for pregnant women. Therefore you don’t have to worry about your little one.
4.Cycling
Besides swimming the other exercise that helps in building a healthy mind is cycling. You might be thinking that cycling is just connected with your legs, how is it helpful for the brain? Cycling is helpful for reducing the stress hormones, it also helps in improving your sleep and cultivates creative thinking.
Blood circulation is important for your brain. Besides the benefits of the brain, it also helps in building your overall body muscles including legs.
5.Dancing
If you are not a cycling person then this one’s for you. You can also use dance as mental therapy. Dancing is beneficial for improving your posture and mood by reducing stress. Loneliness can cause anxiety and depression and therefore dancing is also helpful for building a new relationship with others that also boosts your self-esteem.
6.Work Out
Doing light exercises does not mean you cannot do an extensive workout. The workout is also helpful for controlling your stress by shifting your focus from negative to something productive. Therefore you can also join the gym for doing heavy bench presses or chin-ups. If you are not that kind of person you can also try bodyweight exercises.
7. Mobile Games
Mobile games are often considered as bad for mental health. However, the reality is different. Not all games are bad, some games are also helpful for boosting your mental health. Mind Games like a puzzle, chess, happify, and so on are beneficial for your mind.
Summing Up
Improving your mental health is in your hand therefore you have to take responsibility for that. By doing different exercises you can improve your mental health. Therefore try all of the above-mentioned exercises of fighting against anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
However, if you are having some severe mental issues then it’s also better to connect with your nearby doctor immediately.
