Exercise can boost your Physical AND Mental Health

Experts say that unmanaged stress, psychological burnout, depression, anxiety – they all impact your ability to do your best work as well as live your best life.  Exercise, however, consistently proves itself to be one of the most beneficial lifestyle interventions for improving mental health. In fact, 2014 research in Frontiers in Psychology shows that exercise doesn’t just decrease stress, it strengthens your capacity to deal with the stress in your life – or workplace.

Again, the adaptations that occur in the brain with consistent exercise likely play a role. However, it’s important to realize that the skills developed through facing and overcoming challenges in the gym have tremendous carry-over to other areas of life.

When you’re in a mental or emotional lull, exercise is usually the last thing you want to do. So, have a policy that, in these times, you’ll still engage in some sort of movement – even a walk around the block. Having an easily attainable quota will make it easier for you stay active when you’d much rather hide in bed – and it’s always possible that a short walk will lead to more activity and more mental benefits.

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