4 Reasons Why Fitness Feels Like “Medicine.”
4 Reasons Why Fitness Feels Like “Medicine.”
Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash
The Pandemic has caused many disruptions in everyday life. Compounded with the global civil unrest, and you have an intriguing cocktail of exhaustion and frustration. Regardless of where political or personal opinions may fall, avid fitness enthusiasts often agree that daily physical activity is the medicine that maintains sanity.
1. Exercise Increases Mental Health.
Serotonin and Anandamide are two neurochemicals manufactured in the brain as a response to pain. Well known for its role in depression and other mental health issues, Serotonin is associated with the “feel-good high” felt after exercise, but it doesn’t work alone. Anandamide is a stress regulator also produced during exercise.
The more you move your body, the better “feel-good” chemicals your body can produce!
2. Exercise Decreases Stress.
Along with promoting the production of these endorphins, exercise also lowers the body’s levels of adrenaline and cortisol. A by-product of lowering these stress responses is better sleep, which is the time your body needs to repair and recover from your daily stimuli.
3. Exercising Improves Blood Circulation
Did you know that the veins in your legs rely on you moving your body to pump the blood back to your heart for filtration? Walking is especially beneficial in helping promote blood circulation, but your entire body benefits. With healthy blood circulation, you ensure that your organs are working to their best ability.
Athletes in particular should pay close attention to their circulatory system as it is responsible for distributing nutrients like oxygen to the muscles. The better your blood circulation, the more efficient you will be during exercise!
4. It’s Just Really Fun.
There is such much scientific research corroborating the health benefits of consistent exercise, but the simplest of them all is the excitement of prioritizing your physical and mental growth. There is nothing more rewarding than showing up, working hard and seeing your body get stronger, your mind get sharper.