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We all know how good exercise is for our body. We know that lifting weights can help us increase muscle and our base metabolism, as well as help us change our body composition. We know that cardio, whether it be running, or riding a bike is good for our blood pressure and lung capacity. But too often we ignore the benefits exercise has on our mental health, especially when it comes to stress. But how can this be? We all know how limited our free time is. We’re too busy and stressed out to go workout. Aren’t we? It may come as a shock but working out can actually help us reduce stress. And we also know that when we have less stress in our lives, it’s easier to manage all the other stuff that has us so busy, whether it be our personal life or our professional one. So, let’s explore some of the ways exercise helps us manage or reduce our stress levels.
It’s an Endorphin Boost
Physical activity can help our brains increase the production of endorphins, which in other words, are the neurotransmitters that make us feel good! Anyone who has ever started researching how to workout has come across the term “runner’s high”. A runner’s high is the euphoric feeling that comes from physical activity and has us feeling energetic and with a positive outlook. Higher energy and a more positive state of mind? Yes please! This is a double benefit, because not only does this feeling help ward off some of our more negative thoughts, but it incentivizes us to come back for more! As long as we don’t overdo it, this is as good a reason as any to keep up the good work.
Meditating While You Move
To be clear, we’re not saying that people should meditate at the same time as working out. Rather, we are acknowledging that while we are focused on our physical activity, whether it be a job, or twenty minutes on an elliptical, we have a tendency to go on “auto-pilot” so to speak. So, while we chase the runner’s high, we just described, we are also clearing our minds of the negative thoughts we have been fixating on. Taking the time to do something that both provides physical benefits and a mental break from the daily stress of our lives can not only help us build better habits but give us better tools for managing stress (as opposed to harmful ones, like stress eating).
Work Away Stress Hormones
When we are over stress, our bodies produce an excess of the stress hormone, Cortisol. Now, Cortisol can stimulate our fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which can feel like a sudden burst of energy. While this is important in dangerous situations, as cortisol can help trigger our fight or flight response, it also can stimulate our appetites, which in turn leads to stress eating, which makes us feel even worse. Exercise can help reduce the levels of cortisol in our bodies, which reduces stress! Anything that reduces stress and makes our lives both more manageable and healthier sounds like something worth pursuing, doesn’t it? And we can rest easy knowing that…
Better Mood Better Sleep
Working out regularly can improve our mood in a few ways. Aside from the runners high and stress management we went over, it can also make us feel more self-confident, which in turn boosts our self-esteem. All of this in concert can also help reduce mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. When all of this is happening, we sleep better. Stress, anxiety, and depression are all major contributors to sleepless nights. And sleepless nights can contribute to more depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as weight gain. It’s a vicious circle that regular exercise can help us get out of!
Working Out in Groups Can Fill Multiple Needs at Once
Now that we’re moving and reducing our stress, why not include other people? Whether it’s playing a game of pickup basketball with our friends or taking a Zumba class with a group of strangers, working out as a group not only provides the benefits we’ve gone over, but it also helps us fill our social needs. This is important because one of the most powerful triggers for stress, anxiety, and depression, is isolation. By combining our exercise with social settings, we can combat all these triggers at once and get healthier in the process!
Medical Professionals Can Help Set You on the Path
Weight loss, nutrition, wellness, and fitness falls under the category of medical science. By seeking the help of trained professionals, you not only have better resources to succeed, but the support structure you need to build better habits. The professionals at Olivera Weight Loss have over 40 years of experience in helping people reduce their weight to a healthy BMI, in a clinically proven and medically safe way, and with the means to help their patients keep it off. Patients who qualify for medical weight loss treatment with Olivera receive Phentermine, an FDA approved, clinically proven appetite suppressant. Additionally, Olivera offers a wide array of supplements designed to help you lose weight, and others to help boost energy. With our established patients having the option to continue their care with our Telehealth service, receiving the support, encouragement, and continuing education they need, we make it easier than ever to follow your plan!
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