The Mental Benefits Of A Healthy Lifestyle
#ad At times, the fast pace of modern life can be an enemy to a healthy lifestyle. Rushed mornings, manic commutes to and from work, schools and other childcare, long working hours, and the burdens of simply being an adult can all prevent you from healthy eating and exercise. Not only is this bad for your physical wellbeing, but this can also take a toll on your mental health.
Depression is the most common mental health issue worldwide. Besides the conventional therapies, studies have shown that sports, meditation, and a healthy diet can not only cure depression but can even help prevent it in the first place.
Cutting back on sugar, saturated fats, and carbohydrates, and increasing your intake of unsaturated fats and
organic foods is the first step towards a healthy lifestyle. In addition, dedicating a few hours a week to a hobby, such as getting outside in the fresh air and growing your own crops in First Tunnels polytunnels, can also improve your overall mood and mental health.
As your lifestyle gradually improves, so will your mental health, with the benefits highlighted below.
It Makes You Happier
A healthy lifestyle comprising regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and dedicating time to something you love is a proved way to increase the levels of serotonin. This neurotransmitter, also called the “hormone of happiness,” triggers a feeling of happiness and euphoria, improving your overall mood.
At the same time, serotonin is a precursor of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the body’s internal clock and sleep-wake cycles. Adequate rest is a sure way to improve your feeling of wellbeing; besides, serotonin also helps regulate social behaviour, metabolism, and sexual function and desire.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
The natural consequence of being happier is a reduction of anxiety and depression. Both disorders are leading mental health issues worldwide, and they are increasing at alarming rates.
Anxiety and depression are the cause of multiple adjacent issues including insomnia, the reduced social life, accelerated heart rate, and nightmares among others. However, as highlighted above, a healthy lifestyle increases the production of serotonin and melatonin with consequent health benefits.
Some of these benefits include the reduction of all symptoms associated with anxiety and depression without the use of antidepressants.
Increased Self-Esteem
Regular exercise and a healthy diet accelerate your metabolism and help build muscular mass. You will lose weight, become fitter, and will shape your body. All these effects have a significant impact on how you perceive yourself, boosting your self-esteem.
Setting goals and achieving them not only increases your life satisfaction, but it also lowers your stress levels.
Getting involved in sports or hobbies will help you connect with people who go through similar challenges or have the same interests, and this is also a great way to fight against social stigma and discrimination. By acquiring a better image of yourself, you will improve your overall feeling of wellbeing and happiness.
Lower Stress Levels
A healthy lifestyle helps reduce the levels of stress, one of the leading causes of anxiety and depression.
When stressed, the human body produces cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones used to trigger warning signals as a way to determine our ancestors to protect themselves or fight for survival.
The same hormones are also released during exercise; this “on purpose” exposure to stress makes your body adapt to the effects of these hormones. Over time, you’ll build up resilience and will become more relaxed.
Boosted Brain Function
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can also increase your brain function, according to scientists. For instance, blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of aging. Wild salmon is rich in Omega-3, a type of fatty acids essential for brain function.
Other foods that nourish the brain and improve its function are the dark chocolate, nuts and seeds, and freshly brewed tea.
Besides a healthy diet, studies have also shown that cardio training promotes neurogenesis or brain cell creation. This type of workout not only improves your overall brain performance, but it also increases the levels of BDNF, a brain-derived protein that allegedly boosts the cognitive function including learning, strategic thinking and decision making.
Overall, leading a healthy lifestyle undoubtedly comes with a host of mental benefits. It not only helps you fight against anxiety and depression, but it also helps you gain confidence, boost your mood, and improve your social life.
What do you do to look after your mental health?
*This is a collaborative post*
