Physical Exercise or Mental Therapy: How Moving Your Body Can Impact Your Emotional Wellbeing

When you are not in the best mental state, what do you do to cope? Some people like to ease their minds by relaxing and listening to music or reading a new, exciting novel, while others like to get up and remain busy to distract themselves from their own thoughts. One of the biggest coping mechanisms that people use to help their mental health is physical activity. Moderate and intense exercise, such as going for a nice walk, running outside, or going to the gym, is a great way to help clear the mind because it allows one to become focused on what they are doing at the moment and helps alleviate distress. Physical exercise not only acts as a distraction for many dealing with mental distress but also serves a significant purpose in the chemical makeup of the brain. When the body is undergoing stress from a workout, the brain produces neurons such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These neuron transmitters work together to help heighten one's mood, each in their own way. Serotonin controls mood regulation, appetite, sleep, and feelings of well-being; dopamine regulates the feelings of pleasure and reward and signifies movement, motivation, and learning; and lastly, endorphins are “feel-good” hormones that are responsible for reducing stress and anxiety levels. These three types of neurons work hand in hand with one another to make one feel great after moving their body. 

As someone who is a very anxious person and can get overwhelmed by doing even the most basic tasks, I have been able to find a coping mechanism that works best for me: running and going on walks. Growing up, I never really knew how much physical activity could impact my mental health until I began to take it more seriously in high school. I realized that when I go on runs, I am either focused on my mileage or on whatever song I am listening to at the moment.  When I go on walks, I am able to direct my attention to the beauty of nature that I am surrounded by. Going on runs and walks allows my mind to become clear of all of the thoughts that are continuously racing through my head. It's like I am able to escape from all of my anxious thoughts and just be. Even after my workouts, I usually feel a lot better, and many of the thoughts that I had prior to working out I have forgotten. Over the past couple of years, I am very thankful to have found what works best for me for my mental health.

So, the next time when your mental health is not the greatest, I'd advise you to get up and move. You could go to the gym or go for a run or walk, but you just need to be a little active. Take your headphones and play your favorite songs at the gym or on a run, or just go outside for a walk and take in the sounds of nature. After moving your body, you will hopefully have a state of mind and feel a sense of accomplishment, which is extremely important when it comes to bettering one's mood.

My Outdoor Walks and Runs