By Sylvia Beligotti, MA

With the wonderful spring weather, many are feeling inspired to start or improve their fitness routine. There are many reasons you may want to start exercising, and nearly all of them are beneficial.

Perhaps you have a fitness goal in mind that you want to fulfill. Or maybe you want to find an exercise routine to improve your physical health. Have you ever considered, however, that finding an exercise routine may improve your mental health?

Though often overlooked, exercise can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being. By finding the right exercise routine, you may see just as many improvements in your mental health as you do in your physical health.

The Link Between Exercise and Mental Health

Exercise and mental health have a tightly knit relationship. A healthy, active routine can help ease both depression and anxiety symptoms. When you remain sedentary throughout the day, you may notice that it affects your mood. By establishing an exercise routine, you can work out your mind as well as your body.

How Exercise Improves Mental Well-Being

There are many reasons why exercise is good for the body. When it comes to mental health, even the simplest of activities can stimulate your brain and improve your mood.

For starters, exercise releases natural endorphins, which elevate your mood and make you feel happier throughout the day. Exercise also reduces stress, helps you feel more energized, and improves relaxation — all things that are beneficial if you struggle with depression or anxiety.

Over time, regular exercise also helps improve your sleep. Sleeping is essential for our well-being, especially when it comes to mental health. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can drastically impact your day-to-day life and contribute to depression and anxiety.

By adding regular exercise to your daily routine, you may notice that you sleep better at night. When you sleep better at night, you wake more refreshed in the morning and have an easier time getting through the day with a balanced mood.

Routines Help Maintain Mental Health

When it comes to improving mental health, routines can help establish better behaviors. If you have depression or anxiety, you may find it hard to accomplish specific tasks throughout the day. Though you have things that you want to get done, mental illness makes it difficult to achieve these goals.

When you establish a routine, it’s easier to check off your day-to-day tasks. As you become more accustomed to a routine, it helps structure and guides you through your day. Exercise routines are no different. It’s not always easy to add exercise into your daily schedule, but once you do, your body will adjust. Over time, exercise will feel like a natural and happily anticipated part of your day.

Getting Outside Helps Improve Mental Health, Too

Not only does exercise improve mental health, but it encourages you to get outside, which is also beneficial. By getting out and going for a walk or run, you also naturally enhance your mental well-being.

Sunlight and fresh air also help improve our mood and health, so the more you get outside, the better off you’ll be. Finding time to get out, especially in the winter months, may be a challenge. However, even quick walks or runs, even stretching in your back yard or on your deck or patio, can do wonders for your health.

Establishing an Exercise Routine That Works for You

Some people find it easy to exercise, while others struggle to fit it into their routine. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise, so you shouldn’t compare yourself to others.

Instead, you can start by implementing simple activities, like going for a walk, into your daily routine. If it feels right, you can increase to a run or try other physical activities like yoga or sports. Take it at your own pace and experiment with different exercises to find what feels most comfortable for you. Over time, your body and mind will thank you for your new, healthy routine!

Sylvia Beligotti, MA, LMFT Associate, works with clients at the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin. Please feel free to reach out today for more help establishing a regular exercise routine or improving your mental health. Request an appointment with Sylvia by calling (512) 270-4883, ext. 128, or submit an online appointment request on the RCC Austin Scheduling page. We hope to hear from you soon.