3 Ways Physical Fitness Benefits Your Health
Here are three ways physical fitness benefits both your physical and mental health.
In times like these, everyone is frequently concerned about their health. And how should you be so sure that the health you are maintaining is good for you in the long run? How do you even maintain your health in the age of social distancing? Physical fitness can be a great health benefit in this and any time, and not just for your physical health. Here are three ways physical fitness benefits both your physical and mental health.
Relieves Stress
One of the main impetus for physical activity can be taking out a lot of the built up stress that you have inside of you. Whether this stress comes from work, school or just life in general, getting to work out this stress is one of the key benefits of exercising. When you're not physically active, this built up stress can easily just stay inside you without having a chance to be worked out. Physical exertion allows you to think about any stress that you're under and take it out with physical activity that makes you feel rejuvenated after completing your workout. Oftentimes, stress amounts simply from spending too much time thinking about how stressed you are. By taking the time to dedicate yourself to physical fitness, you provide an outlet for your mind where you are not thinking about stress and any aspects of your life that may bring it about. Taking the time for a positive activity like exercise will reduce this stress through building up endorphins, which will leave you feeling optimistic about your effort and the things going on in your life.
Keeps You in Shape
Physical fitness also benefits your health through keeping you in good physical shape. Staying in shape is obviously a health benefit in terms of stamina and energy levels, but also is a big boost to your immune system. When you exercise, you're cultivating a body that you can be confident in and that will be better equipped to handle the challenges of everyday life. It's easy to think that an activity like running will only benefit you if you want to run more. However, staying in good aerobic shape will help you maintain energy in all aspects of life, from your time working at the office or sitting in class to helping you get a better night's rest so you can wake up prepared to tackle the day. These effects are even more dramatic when you push yourself to stay in the best possible shape with an athletics sponsorship. Staying in physical shape is an obvious benefit of consistent exercise, but it isn't the only one.
Gets You Social
Physical exercise is also a way to connect with others to maintain both your physical and mental health. In terms of your physical health, working out in a group will increase your motivation and commitment to exercising by having others hold you accountable. It will also make the process of getting through long, tedious workouts far more manageable than they are by themselves. In terms of your mental health, having a consistent support group that you can rely on that is committed to performing a dedicated positive exercise together is a great resource to have in your back pocket. Oftentimes, the moments at which morale is lowest is also when you are feeling the most lonely and dispirited. Having a workout group that makes physical activity a communal activity combats this trap of loneliness and sloth by creating a welcoming, positive environment that will keep both your body and your mind healthy.
Physical fitness is a worthwhile use of your time. Not only does it relieve stress and keep you in shape, but it also is a great tool for your mental health by getting you social. The next time you're considering whether to engage in exercise or a workout, consider all the different ways it can help you get in shape and take it upon yourself to go for it.
About the Creator
Paisley Hansen
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.