If the relationship most people had with cardiovascular exercise was a Facebook status, it’d be complicated. The idea of running or swimming long distances isn’t attractive to many people. However, cardio is a powerful workout that can be integrated into nearly any routine, and has massive mental and physical benefits to mental well-being.
Aerobic exercise changes how brain cells communicate
At a basic level, nerve cells in your brain communicate with each other and regulate what’s going on in your mind and body.
Stress, anxiety, addiction and other mental health issues can short-circuit or change the way cells communicate with each other, which contributes to problems with relapse and withdrawal.
As an example,
studies have shown aerobic exercise can change how different neurons signal each other in areas of the brain associated with addiction. Instead of signaling to each other that you need to go smoke a cigarette, they’re changing their tune. Cardio may help reduce cravings and anxiety, and even may reduce withdrawal symptoms. Through cardio, you could be less vulnerable to relapsing. This can be fundamental in achieving change in your life.
Mental fitness and aerobic exercise go hand-in-hand
Per the research journal Cognition and Emotion,
aerobic exercise can improve mental regulation, including helping people overcome feelings of helplessness or serious distress. Oftentimes, a critical part of improving mental health is overcoming distress and negative emotions that make you feel like you can’t succeed. Try to make cardio a keystone habit in your life — instead of mulling over negative situations, go for a jog, ride your bike or do some hot yoga. Cardio is an excellent tool to deal with stress and build mental fitness.
Cardio helps build mental resilience
When you mess up, it’s important that you forgive yourself and bounce back. That’s resilience. The
physical effects of stress, depression, anxiety,
addiction and other mental health issues can be substantial. Cardiovascular exercise requires the triumph of mind over body as you push yourself to new limits and achieve your goals.
Music makes cardio easier
Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Getting your program started out strong can be challenging. There are tools and tricks you can use to help; for instance, upbeat music is shown to help you get more out of your workout. Put on your
Nanopods and your favorite
playlist! A
study cited by Forbes indicates that not only does music help you get into the exercise groove, it can help you reach your target heart rate and stay there longer, while perceiving the workout as less strenuous. As a result, you can work out longer and with more energy, and feel less tired at the end.
Aerobic exercise could improve your memory
Ever kick yourself for forgetting an important event? As Aaptiv notes, an unexpected but fantastic benefit of aerobic activity is the possibility to
improve your memory. Maintaining a regular fitness program actually enlarges the part of the brain responsible for learning and verbal memory. That’s a lifestyle and health perk from every angle!
The benefits extend beyond initial recovery
The habits, routines, and skills that you develop in response to addiction can help you maintain all-around health for the long term. The extensive benefits of cardiovascular exercise include the ability to better manage
blood pressure, control weight, improve-self confidence, boost energy, and many other advantages. Regardless of what stage you are at in life, aerobic exercise can help you achieve your wellness goals and be successful.
Cardiovascular exercise isn’t the whole answer, but it’s part of the overall picture of health and well-being. It doesn’t matter whether you get out and run, bike, swim, hike, or something else, as long as your heart gets pumping. Do something you enjoy, but also challenges you.
Author: Jason Lewis
Jason Lewis is passionate about helping seniors stay healthy and injury-free. He created Strong Well to share his tips on senior fitness.
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