Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep the body strong, healthy, and comfortable. However, developing the motivation to frequently work out requires the correct headspace and plenty of physical and mental energy. Interestingly, exercise itself is the solution, with a regular workout schedule promoting the release of endorphins and increasing both the body and brain’s capacities to handle more vigorous physical activity.
It’s possible for people of all ages and physical abilities to become more active, even if that means only engaging in low-intensity workouts. Exercise is a crucial part of self-improvement, which many people – like motivational speaker Imad Ghennouni – emphasize when promoting it as a positive lifestyle choice. It’s a natural mood booster that also stimulates feelings of confidence, motivation, focus, and relaxation.
The biggest benefits of exercise include:
- Increased alertness
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Better concentration
- Improved self-confidence and self-image
- Lowered risk of depression
All of these are facilitated by the release of feel-good hormones during and after a workout that produce a psychological high and reduce the feelings of discomfort typically associated with exercise. And while endorphin levels skyrocket, exercise also reduces stress hormones, like adrenaline, to further elevate mood and increase feelings of optimism towards future workouts. This positive feeling bleeds into the individual’s mental state outside of exercise, too, by energizing them in other general pursuits and helping them to achieve their lifestyle goals.
However, to reach this headspace, the body and mind both need energy. Many people initially give up exercising due to a lack of endurance and overwhelming feelings of exhaustion. Regular aerobic exercise counteracts these feelings by building up stamina over time, with the aim of improving cardiovascular health. With endorphins acting as natural painkillers, it becomes easier for the body to handle exercise without feeling as tired or sore afterwards.
People who commit to regular exercise – like Imad El Ghennouni Mohammed – enjoy better overall physical and mental wellbeing than those who don’t, and the benefits often become noticeable after a few sessions. Ultimately, exercise makes both the body and brain feel good, promoting a positive outlook on life via an increase in self-esteem and the creation of attainable goals. Many people struggle to motivate themselves to exercise, but the only way to overcome feelings of lethargy and apathy is to make it a priority and incentivize physical activity by observing the benefits. Exercise is vital to boosting mood and energy levels in no time at all.