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The Psychological Benefits of Aerobic Exercise
According to the definition from the Global Healing Centers website,
“Aerobic exercise is a type of movement such as running or cycling that
gets your heart pumping faster and increases your oxygen intake.” Examples of aerobic exercise are; running, dynamic yoga, cycling,
fast walking, circuit training, skiing and rollerblading.
So we are all told we need to partake in aerobic exercise to obtain
many benefits, such as, weight loss, better skin and muscle tone. But
that’s not all! There are psychological benefits of aerobic exercise
too!
What are the psychological benefits of aerobic exercise?
In short, the benefits are;
improved mood,
reduced anxiety,
reduced
depression
The effects of aerobic
exercise can act as a buffer against stress.
But lets go into a little more detail…
The Psychological Payoffs
Mood Enhancer
When we exercise aerobically, our bodies produces little chemical called
endorphins, which, scientifically speaking, are polypeptides, which are
able to bind to the neuron-receptors in the brain to give relief from
pain. Endorphins are not just produced from exercise; they are also
triggered by deep-breathing, meditation, eating spicy food and deep
laughter. Just don’t do all five at once…
Endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the body; they
relieve pain, they reduce stress, they enhance the immune system and
they postpone the aging process.
It may be worth your while to stock up on some fitness equipment, they
might make things easier for you. I prefer to exercise outside but I do
have an indoor stationary bike, that way, if it’s raining, I have no
excuse not to exercise.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Depression and Anxiety can lead to a feeling of isolation. Partaking in
aerobic sports, one can choose to join a running club, swimming club,
gym or any other sports club. It’s an excellent way to gain the
psychological benefits of aerobic activity, because it gets you out an
about and can put you in positions where you HAVE to speak to people.
Aerobic exercise offers a distraction. For an hour or so each day, you
can put yourself in a position where you are too busy worrying about the
prospect of having to run another two miles before you can stop.
Burning excess fat and toning up
also boost one’s confidence. Clothes
fit better, and you receive compliments from friends. Which often is
enough to begin to lift the heavy cloud of a mild depression.
Reduced Stress
Do you feel like the whole world is collapsing on top of you? I think
everyone does at one stage or another. If you keep positive, it will
pass. Aerobic exercise is a great way to keep positive. When you are
stressed, it is important to get enough sleep. Exercisers actually go to
sleep faster, are more refreshed and have sharper memories. Exercise
increases the blood flow to the brain, bringing extra sugar and oxygen,
which can help when concentrating. And once again, the little endorphins
can make you happier, making you feel like maybe it will all be ok after
all.
So, in conclusion, exercise! There are too many benefits that you will
be missing out on if you don’t.
Words of wisdom!
Work harder
Less is more
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