Exercise is often associated with losing weight and making yourself look fit. Contrary to popular belief, exercise not only benefits you physically but also mentally.

Exercise is so important for mental health. It activates your happy hormones and makes you happy for the rest of the day. Exercise shouldn’t be something that you force just to get fit, but something that you choose for your mind, mood, mental health and nervous system.

When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which boost your mood and reduce pain, serotonin, which supports emotional balance, and dopamine, which improves motivation and focus. You don’t need to do intense workouts to access these; light movements like walks or light runs are enough.

Putting weight loss aside, exercise and movement can become less stressful, emotionally safer, and fun. It helps reduce anxiety, helps you think better, improves your mood, and helps you get better sleep. Plus, it builds your discipline and self-trust.

Different types of movement can support your mental health, such as walking, yoga and stretching, dancing, pilates, outdoor movement, and strength training. Doing one of these for at least 10-30 minutes a day and make you better and improve your mental health.

You need to learn how to shift your mindset about working out. Your mind is everything, and if you don’t have the right mindset, it can affect your performance and results. Instead of saying: “I have to work out” and “I should burn calories,” say: “I get to work out” and “I am moving to make my body feel good, improve my mood, and support my mind.” With that simple mindset shift, you will become much better and feel better while working out.

If it feels too hard for you, you can create a ritual around it. Like listening to an audiobook or music that you like.

Exercising not only helps you get fit, it also improves your mental health and makes you a better and happier person. I highly recommend that you work out as much as you can. It doesn’t have to be something hard or lifting weights; it can be something as simple as taking a walk or doing some cardio. It will help you be better and energized throughout the day. GOODLUCK!