Engaging in physical activity with the women in your life
Most people living in the modern world are becoming increasingly more aware that mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet, the number of women in our lives suffering from mental illness continues to skyrocket. Though the sources for such a spike in mental illness diagnosis in women, busy lifestyles and full loads of responsibilities tend to be one of the leading causes these days. It can be difficult for the modern woman to maintain her sanity when she’s got so much on her plate.
Stress and modern parenting are near synonymous. Raising children, working full-time, and taking care of the home all require a significant amount of her time, money, and energy thus leading to emotional overwhelm. Some women, unfortunately, start to neglect their health and even turn to substances as a means of coping to no avail. In such circumstances, it becomes necessary for women to seek treatment from facilities like Mission Harbor Recovery Center where they treat mental illness and addiction problems for women who are struggling, providing tools, structure and plans to navigate the everyday stresses, no matter how big or small.
Exercising for Change
Now, you may be wondering how in the world something as simple as exercising can help to reduce your chances of developing a mental illness (or reducing the symptoms of mental illness), but it really works. Working out regularly does more than just give you strong bones, lean muscles, and a healthy weight. It also works wonders for keeping stress at bay and balancing your mood.
Exercising may be physical but there is a direct link to fitness and brain activity. In fact, when you work out your blood circulation improves which triggers the brain to reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins which help to boost mood.
There are a considerable amount of exercises to choose from and ultimately, you want to choose which workout works best for you, but here is a look at some of the best fitness routines for improving your mood.
Walking, Jogging and Running
Taking a walk or jog for a few miles each morning can really help to improve your mood. This is especially true if you do it outside. A good dose of sunlight increases your vitamin D levels which enhance your mood as well. This low-impact activity gives you time to think, assess, evaluate, and release any thoughts going through your head which helps to improve clarity and reduce stress or anxiety.
Yoga
Yoga is an exercise that is also regarded as a holistic approach to healing many physical and mental ailments. The practice is designed to help you relax and release stress and tension. With specific holding patterns and the correct breathing techniques, one can increase oxygen levels to the lungs and brain, improve blood circulation, reduce high blood pressure, and boost your spirits. It has been highly regarded when treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Boxing
Got some built-up tension that you need to release? There’s no exercise routine like boxing to get the job done. Punching and hitting a bag or sparring partner with all you’ve got does more than just tighten and tone the body, it also feels great. By the time you’re done your session whatever had you down will be completely out of your system.
Weight Training
Suffering from low self-esteem? You can change how you look and feel about yourself by getting in the gym and lifting some weights. The more you work on shaping and toning your body to your desires, the better you start to feel about yourself from the inside out. Many people from all walks of life have developed profound confidence and self-esteem by integrating weights into their workouts.
Swimming
There’s something therapeutic about simply being in the water. It’s great for managing pain and the perfect workout to get your blood pumping and your mood up without too much stress or strain. Go for a swim a few days a week for at least 30 minutes and watch the difference it makes in how you feel.
Women are made to be tough but even the strongest need to keep up with maintenance to stay that way. Whether you’re suffering from a mental disorder or you are simply looking for ways to boost your mood, start with exercising at least 3-5 times a week. Give it about a month or so to start working but you should start to see physical and mental results from your efforts.
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