7 Proven exercises for mental health
Mental illness has deeply impacted to everyone at any phase of their life. That shattering flood of anxiety and depth of depression making our lives dark and hell. But we all can cope up with several battles of anxiety and depression easily.
“The only journey is the journey within” and we all have to tackle with it as soon as possible.
First let us know what actually mental health is:
What is mental health?
Mental health includes psychological, emotional and social well-being. It affects our feelings, thinking, and act. It also determines how we handle stress related factors, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood.
Many factors contribute to mental health related problems that include:
- Biological factors, such as brain chemistry or genes
- Life experiences, such as abuse, insult or trauma
- Family history
You are not alone. People with mental health problems gets better with time and many recover completely. You just have to train your mind and body properly.
Here are some exercises for mental health you need to adopt:
1.Yoga
Yoga is an excellent stress-relief exercise that boosts our mental health. It involves a series of stationary and moving poses combined with deep breathing. A mind-body exercise i.e. yoga can strengthen our body’s natural relaxation response and bring all of us into a healthy balance of mind. For stress relief, do gentle yoga or yoga for if your main goal is to ease mental health related problems.
2.Meditation
Meditation is the practice of deep breathing, thinking deeply or focusing one’s mind in a stable state for a period of time. There are many forms of meditation but our ultimate goal is a feeling of relaxation, inner peace, and calm mind which improves mental health. If you are a beginner and finds difficult to concentrate during it then start doing some 5-10 mins of regular meditation to keep you on track.
3.Pilates
Pilates that is a series of controlled movements and mat exercises, designed to build focus, strength, flexibility, and endurance, created by Joseph Pilates. Sometimes our mental health is directly linked to our body appearance. So, Pilates tones the body, which in turn helps us to look good and feel better thus relieves stress. You can take classes at a Pilates studio, gym, or even watch you tube videos and use home equipment if you prefer to practice on your own.
4.Go out on roads
Long-distance walking, running, cycling, biking, and other outdoor activities provide a change in your lifestyle with a dose of fresh air that clear up the mind. Also, outdoor settings such as biking trail or Neighborhood Park are pleasant places to spend time in. Beautiful settings and places, especially in the month of spring and fall, can lift up the mood, mind health and shake up your daily workout routine.
5.Martial Arts
Another effective way to release stress, frustration, energy and tension is to learn and practice a martial art. There are many to choose from karate, judo, tae kwon do, and more. In addition to keeping you calm and active, martial arts offer other benefits such as self-discipline, self-defense techniques that explain safety methods that make you feel safer and stronger.
6.Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a powerful means of reducing stress and anxiety. Thus, improves mental focus. It involves punching and kicking movements that are controlled and carried out with discipline. Kickboxing regularly will improve your flexibility, balance, and coordination. It’s also a great way to work out stress, anxiety and frustration — having an outlet to release anger and energy can cope up with mental health and thus boost it further.
7.Team Sports
Badminton, anyone?
One of the best ways to fit exercise into your daily schedule is to round up with family and friends and organize a game of badminton, football, tennis, basketball, or cricket. You get a double dose of stress and anxiety relief from participating in team sports: Not only just having fun with loved ones, but you’re also working out on sweat and releasing endorphins (minimizing discomfort). Exercising and playing with friends, co-workers and family can also motivate you to push yourself a little harder in order to stay fit, healthy and competitive.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mental health can be improved and trained just like the muscles of our body. Use the above exercises to become more resilient and be able to control your emotions and to respond to changes in a more productive and positive manner. The above exercises are great for the focus and willpower.
However, just like with training your muscles, you must understand that mental health won’t improve overnight. It takes your time and effort to get mind where you want it to be. It won’t always be fair and easy and you will encounter that times when you don’t want to go through the exercise or don’t feel any progress. So, understanding these feelings are natural, yet staying strong and motivated will help you move forward and stick to improvement.
Indeed, knowing this is one of the signs your mental health is already improving!!!