Exercise has so many benefits for mental health. If exercise was a bucket, it would be overflowing with mental health. Ok that was a terrible, awful analogy. But seriously, you all have no idea how much. Anyway, I'd better do the thing where you list all the mental health benefits, because otherwise I would be very unscientific, and it's important to have all the information.
1) Reduces stress and anxiety. This one's kind of obvious, because everyone talks about it all the time. Exercise releases norepinephrine which can help regulate the brain's response to stress.
4) Lets you enjoy nature. Get outdoors, soak up some Vitamin D, and feel refreshed after sitting inside all day.
6) Can boost brainpower. Cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells (neurogenesis) and improve our overall brain performance.
8) Help control addiction: short exercise sessions can help distract drug or alcohol addicts.
9) Can increase energy levels and efficiency. Studies show that those who exercise regularly are far more productive than those who don't!
10) Can boost creativity. Research shows that after exercise our creativity is boosted for up to 2 hours!
(source: greatist.com)
When I became sick, my mum was insistent that even if I wasn't at school I needed to get some exercise. So every morning, we'd put on our sneakers and go. It was the only time I'd ever go out because I had terrible social anxiety and agoraphobia (plus was pretty unresponsive most of the time). I didn't realise the effect it had on me until later, when I went to hospital. It was hard being cooped up in there most of the time, but I found that one of the worst things was that there was nowhere for me to exercise. I missed it so much, which surprised me: I am NOT sporty, and didn't really bother all that much about keeping super-fit.
When I got out of hospital, it was hard, hard, super-super hard. But on that same day, I went for a walk. Not far, because I don't like being too far away from my house: I went to the oval and did laps. Then I did it the next day. And the next. And after a while, I figured out the reason I did this was that it was grounding me. It kept me sane, and I found that if I didn't go until later in the day I'd feel more anxious.
Since the hospital, I have made an incredible amount of progress. It's taken me time, but I can now say that I am proud of that fact. I've been so dedicated to getting well, and it's working. But I truly believe that without walking (not running, mind) I would not be at school yet, would not be going out with my friends. I have walked 5km every day (bar 1, actually) since I was discharged. It's not difficult, only light exercise, and I prioritise it over everything. Over work, over social engagements, etc.
Sure, I believed that exercise was important- I knew that it had great effects on the mind. But until I became sick, I never realised how much it can impact us. If I had to put it in a percentage, I'd say that I attribute at least 20% of my recovery to exercise.
Believe me. It works.
Love always,
Em xx