Exercise, Stress Relief, And Mental Health

There are a ton of reasons as to why physical activity matters. Most of us know that it’s beneficial for our heart health and overall physical well-being, and for a lot of people, it’s simply enjoyable. It’s a well-known fact that exercise supports cardiovascular health and keeps our body strong, but what about mental health? Is it true that exercise helps with stress relief and other areas of mental well-being? 

What Are The Impacts Of Prolonged Stress?

First, let’s talk about the potential impacts of stress on the body and mind. Of course, feeling stressed out isn’t fun, but the effects of prolonged or ongoing stress show why it’s so crucial to work on stress management, relief, and reduction. Potential impacts of prolonged stress may include but aren’t limited to:

• An increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• An increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Skin problems
• GI distress
• Fatigue

Research also shows that ongoing stress can have a negative impact on the immune system, suppressing protective immune responses and putting you at a higher risk of getting sick. Stress can impact your performance at work, school, or other areas of life and may lead to a strain in interpersonal relationships, irritability, muscle tension and body aches, trouble concentrating, and even difficulty with memory.

Research On Exercise And Mental Health

Exercise is a great way to let off some steam and set yourself up for success. Research on exercise and mental health suggests that physical activity has the potential to:

• Improve mood and, in some cases, reduce symptoms of depression.
• Improve concentration and alertness.
• Reduce anxiety or symptoms of anxiety. 
• Reduce fatigue.
• Improve sleep patterns. 
• Support stress-relief or reduction. 

Studies show that regular exercise can support resilience to acute stress in addition to providing a method of short-term stress relief. That said, managing stress isn’t often easy, and sometimes, it takes more than one adjustment to cope and be your best self. If there are ongoing stressors in your life, talking to a counselor or therapist can help. As much as it’s advantageous to create a routine that works for you, nothing can replace the support of a licensed professional such as a therapist or counselor.

Find Support 

Looking for a counselor or therapist isn’t always an easy task, but if it feels daunting right now, it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are a number of routes you can take to find a therapist or counselor. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, use an online directory, search the web, or sign up for an online therapy website like MyTherapist. All of the providers on the MyTherapist platform are licensed, and when you sign up, you’ll take a questionnaire that’ll help you find the right match. You can switch providers or cancel services at any time, and it’s often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy or counseling is in the absence of insurance. Whether you see a counselor or therapist in person or online, you deserve to get the support you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out.