First published at 23:31 UTC on April 4th, 2020.
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https://www.testosterone.me/exercise-mental-health
It's common to emphasize the physical benefits of exercise, but for many people, the psychological benefits of exercise are just as significant, and may even outweigh the importance of losing weight and improving strength and energy levels.
It can be hard to establish a diet or exercise plan. Ask anyone that's tried to convert from a sedentary lifestyle to a more thoughtful and active lifestyle. On the other hand, most people that engage in a life of activity seem to feed off of it, and the psychological and physiological changes caused by a good exercise routine are self-reinforcing. Increased energy levels ward off fatigue. Sleep comes more natural and provides improved wakefulness. In general, there is an improved sense of well-being that is directly associated with exercise.
It works the other way around too. People that don't get enough exercise are more likely to struggle to get off the couch or even out of bed. They also are more likely to suffer from memory issues and are more likely to suffer from problems with anxiety and depression. Many psychological problems have a direct physical component. Mental fatigue and physical fatigue go hand in hand. People that don't get enough physical activity have a tendency toward anxiety that suppresses their psychological well-being.
The Body and Mind are Inextricably Linked
In short: to facilitate a confident and robust mental outlook, you need to establish an excellent physical routine. Of course, many people can remain happy no matter what their physical state happens to be, but there is a reliable and robust correlation between physical activity and mental health.
There's no substitute for the opinion of your doctor or therapist, but as long as you are healthy enough for exercise, neither will deny the power of a good workout regimen.
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