– Pracheeti Joshi & Dr. Janki Deole

Samiksha Sports

Across the world, scores of people participate in some sort of exercise, sport, or physical activity. They have overcome excuses more noticeably post the Covid-19 pandemic, since “immunity” has been a word within every household. People look forward to the physical benefits of exercise such as to build energy, stamina, manage weight, lower blood pressure, or to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Physically active individuals have been found to fight loneliness and shed social isolation.

Exercise or sport is important to keep both your body and mind “in shape.” Physical activity of aerobic or anaerobic form for 30-45 minutes at least 4-5 times a week is considered ideal for a mentally and an emotionally healthy lifestyle. Whether to hit the gym or to set up a game of badminton, the psychological benefits of physical activity should have you tie up your shoe laces and be active most days. The top 4 mental benefits of exercise are quite fascinating.

TOP FOUR BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

1. Reduction of stress, anxiety and depression:

Physical activity is scientifically proven as a mood booster. The feel good chemical released by the brain produces positive emotions such as happiness and serenity. The results at times are found to be more
long lasting than just psychotherapy or even medications.

2. Better sleep:

Physical activity increases body temperature that may have calming effects on our minds. It also helps regulate our bodies’ built-in alarm clock that controls our feelings of tiredness and alternes.

3. Increased brain power:

Exercise or sport boosts brain power by creating new neural pathways and brain cells. It increases a person’s mental performance and mental energy. Physical activity and movement is said to enhances learning, memory and creativity. Reflect on whether your big ideas have occurred to you while you were on a jog or eureka moment occurred after a game of golf?

4. High self-image:

Long-term exercising is also an indicator that people can commit to something they couldn’t do or adhere to earlier. This is associated with improved self-image and self-concept

Overall exercise and sport leads to enhancement in the quality of your life. Being physically active not only benefits you but also others around you. Increasing involvement of population in physical activity has a ripple effect on the ones nearby. The more people get into fitness regimes, the more people around them also take it up, thus benefitting the psychosocial well-being!

References:

Berger, B., & Motl, R. (2001). Physical activity and quality of life. In R. Singer, H. Hausenblas, & C. Janelle (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (2nd ed., pp. 636–670). New York: Wiley.

Blumenthal, J., Babyak, M., Moore, K., Craighead, W., Herman, S., Kharti, P., et al. (1999). Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression. Archives of Internal Medicine,159, 2349–2356.

Burke, S., Carron, A., & Shapcott, K. (2008). Cohesion in exercise groups: An overview. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1, 107–123.

WaldenEDUhttps://www.waldenu.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bs-in-psychology/resource/five-mental-benefits-of-exercise