Healthy body healthy mind; how does physical activity enhance mental well-being?
While a variety of factors are involved in what can impact mental health, one is often forgotten: physical exercise. You see when you're physically exercising, your body produces a hormone known as endorphin. This hormone functions to numb any pain present within our body and makes us feel elated (hence the nickname "happy hormone"!) - but it can also have the same effects on our mind. Thus the phrase; Healthy Body, Healthy Mind. Let's attain that right now! Mental Health on a Chemical Level and the Brain The benefits of regular exercise go far beyond physical fitness. Exercise is an effective treatment for mental health issues like anxiety and depression and can also improve cognitive function. But how does regular exercise encourage a more positive and healthy mindset? One way is by impacting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. For example, exercise has been shown to increase serotonin levels, a chemical that affects mood and happiness. Research has also...