I've chosen a career in health and wellness and for millions of other people, pursuing a healthy, balanced life is an increasingly important goal. More and more people are channeling their energies into living a well-rounded life, and I believe that this is partially because we, as a society, are changing the definition of what constitutes a "worthwhile life."
Like most people, I used to believe that working hard and earning a good living were key to a successful life. Although these things are still important to me, I realized the importance of health and happiness, that to really "live well" I had to be healthy and strive to obtain enjoyment from everything that I do. I see these values reflected in my clients, too -- successful men and women who are looking beyond their careers and finances towards a healthier, happier, more balanced and more fulfilling life.
There are barriers to making these changes, the most common of which are stress and anxiety. On its own, stress can have serious repercussions on your physical health and anxiety can make it extremely hard to see the positive aspects of our lives. When paired, they can be an overwhelming combination and even in small doses have the potential to seriously impact your quality of life.
Exercise Can Help!
Improving your mental health can be accomplished many ways, but exercise is often a forgotten option. Below are a few of the benefits that regular exercise can have on your mental health and wellbeing:
Relaxation -- Yes, exercise can relax you! Misplaced energy can cause anxiety, but when you exercise regularly, the severity of your physical anxiety can be diminished.
Build a Healthy Body -- Getting sick -- or the fear of it -- can be a huge source of stress and anxiety. If you're in good shape physically, it's one less thing to worry about and when you're fit, strong and energized, it's much easier to deal with whatever life throws at you.
Body Image -- If you look good, you're more inclined to feel good. Fact! Self-doubt and low self-esteem could potentially develop into problems with stress and anxiety. Exercise is an ideal way to improve your self-image, and feeling confident about yourself can go a long way toward reducing stress and anxiety.
It's Chemical -- When you exercise, you release endorphins. Endorphins are the chemicals that make you feel good, and releasing them into your brain leads to a nice euphoric feeling. This feeling can help break you out of your anxious state and provides a helpful break from the day's stresses.
Exercise is by no means a wonder cure for stress and anxiety, but it does have the potential to reduce their effects, giving you a better shot at getting more enjoyment out of life.
Jamie Galloway
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