Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body
As 2022 has just begun, a typical New Year’s resolution for Americans is to go to the gym and get healthy. Although it can easily be achieved through consistency and discipline, these goals are often cast aside within just a few weeks. Improving your physical fitness is easier than people think, as long as you do it right. But where should you start? What are the different ways to exercise and why are they so beneficial? Why is having a healthy lifestyle such a popular New Year’s resolution?
The gym is where most of these resolutions begin. As intimidating as the hardcore gym rats may be, there are countless forms of exercise to choose from, ranging from pilates and yoga to weightlifting and Crossfit. A tip is to start with whatever is simple, effective, easily accessible, and feels most comfortable for you, which, for most people, is cardio. You don’t even have to start at the gym; you can even begin by playing sports or by going outside for a 30-minute walk! However, one benefit of the gym is that there are always different forms of exercise that you can try out, so if you’re feeling adventurous one day you can try out something new! You never know: maybe it will become your new favorite form of exercise! With consistency, exercise improves your bones, muscles, respiratory system, and even your life expectancy! On top of that, exercise can lower and prevent many illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and even a few types of cancers.
Besides the physical health benefits of working out, exercise can also benefit your mental health. Mental health is often overlooked but is just as important as your physical well-being. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals, called endorphins, that trigger a positive feeling in the brain and body, boosting your mood and naturally relieving stress. Regular exercise is capable of providing relief from issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and improving sleep and overall mood. Numerous studies and reports have been conducted on the benefits of exercise on mental health. Out of 1,158 studies, 89 percent had a statistically significant positive impact on mental health from physical activity and exercise. In one particular study, there was a reduction of 43.2 percent of poor mental health days each month when exercising regularly, in comparison to people who did not exercise for a month.
Due to the clear advantages of working out, for both mind and body, you should stick to your resolutions and examine not only how you will look, but also, most importantly, the way that you will feel better. It solely takes consistency and small steps to strive toward progress, improvement, and results!
