Physical activity – best way to overcome negative emotions

When it comes to the reasons for doing sports, one of them, of course, is that exercise can help to fight depression and apathy, boost our mood and make us happier. That’s the real truth, but how does it work?

During the exercise, neurotransmitter hormones are produced, which improve a person’s mood and well-being. Which is why get the feel of joy and satisfaction. These are dopamine, endorphins, adrenaline and oxytocin.

Physical activity and hormones of happiness

Dopamine is one of the key elements in a reward system that gives us a sense of pleasure and serves like some sort of psychological reward. The desire to act comes from this hormone. Various activities helps to produce dopamine, whether it’s intense sports or regular jogging. This hormone helps to find the motivation we need.

Endorphins are natural opiates, which are produced by the nerve secretion glands. They help a person to cope with the pain, which explains a desire to work hard at the gym after a stressful day.

Adrenaline is a hormone that makes people want to go on adventures: roller-coaster rides, doing extreme sports and other ways to risk their lives. It causes a feeling of euphoria and uplifts the inner-self. It does not do any harm and only boosts the mood.

Oxytocin is so-called “love hormone”  that a person gets by interacting and socializing with people. That feeling – being complete, knowing you are not alone, you are valued and having someone to share common interests, is what produces this hormone. It helps to decrease stress levels, recover the muscles after hard workout, reduces fear, anxiety and even prolongs life.

There are several other mental health benefits of exercise

• Improves memory – better concentration due to the endorphins in the nervous system, which stimulates the growth of new brain cells.
• Increases self-confidence.
• Improves sleep quality.
• Exercising several times a week, increases the heart rate, resulting in better physical shape.
• Boosts immune system – reducing the levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).
• Develops hardiness – exercise can help you better cope with the challenges of your mental and emotional life.

Regular physical activity – effective way to improve emotional wellbeing

Don’t think that only hard and intense workouts can be effective to improve mental health. Studies have shown that only 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (3-5 times a week) can significantly improve mental health. If you find it easier, you can split 30 min and do the exercise twice a day, spending 15 min each. Being active is the most important factor here. Also, don’t forget – most of people are able to complete moderate intensity exercise (moderate – this is when you breathe a little harder than usual, but in a way that you can talk to a person nearby, and making a body a little sweaty.

Once you start exercising, the boost of energy feels even the next day, which makes you ready for any physical and emotional challenges. Don’t forget to listen to your body and take breaks as needed, especially during the first sessions. Once exercising becomes habit, try to add extra minutes or try different physical activity. You have nothing to lose, only a little bit of your weight.

Sports are often a good way to breakout from emotional struggles. Remember –  chocolate improves memory and sports boost mood.

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