We know exercise helps with many aspects of our physical health such as weight, blood

pressure, mobility, strength, reducing our risk of conditions like diabetes, etc. What we

tend to not recognize as much are the psychological benefits of exercise. Moving guides

not only our physical health, but our mental well-being.

Although it is tough to push yourself to partake in physical activity, the benefits are

absolutely worth it. Want to feel more energetic? Happier? Confident? More focused?

Create a routine for yourself! Even if it’s a brisk walk, regular movement is key to feeling

better.

Here are just a FEW aspects of life that can be helped through exercise:

Stress

Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can often be too high, causing irritability and

anxiety. Consistent physical activity reduces our cortisol levels, ultimately relieving our

stress and calming us down (Fossati et al., 2021).

Memory

When we move, we increase the blood flow to the brain, improving its ability to extract

oxygen. This improvement in blood circulation, especially to the hippocampus region of

our brain, aids our memory. A study by Amen Clinics displays that individuals with a

more elastic hippocampus due to consistent exercise have scored higher on memory

tests than the sedentary population.

Depression

Exercise can be as effective as prescribed antidepressants in treating and managing

mood disorders. Movement increases the production of serotonin and dopamine in our

bodies, which are the hormones that make us happy and motivated. Just the act of

participating in exercise can boost self-efficacy. Physical activity can also improve your

mood as it acts as a distraction from getting in your head and sets you up for social

interaction.

Cognitive Function

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is also enhanced through exercise. BDNF is

a protein that plays a crucial role in our learning, memory, and behaviour. An increase in

BDNF boosts our memory, attention span, processing speed and overall cognitive

function (Townsend, 2023).

To top it all off, more efficient blood circulation means more energy! Do you often feel

tired and drowsy even from simple daily activities? Routine physical activity will provide

you with more energy and get you in a better mood every day!

Ariana Blake-Parsons, MSR, Personal Trainer

The Fitness Firm