Having quality of life means physical, social and emotional well-being. According to the World Health Organization, the practice of activities such as bodybuilding, yoga and walking, if done at least 150 minutes a week , contribute to this balance.
So, we already know that it is possible to achieve this quality of life through the practice of sports and physical activities , as they bring significant benefits to physical and emotional health.
Even sedentary people , who change their lifestyle as adults or elderly people, can feel these improvements when they become more active regularly.
Now that you already know that the relationship between physical activity and mental health generates positive results, how about understanding a little more about this subject?
Keep with us!
Benefits of physical activity
The benefits for physical well-being are diverse! Check out some of them:
- Hypertension control;
- Control of LDL cholesterol rates (considered bad cholesterol) and blood sugar levels;
- It reduces the risk of stroke and cardiovascular problems.
In addition to avoiding countless other damage!
mental health benefits
In mental health we can also quote several benefits.
Some of the benefits are that the practice of physical activity serves as a complementary therapy in cases of anxiety and depression . Even if they are mental disorders that should be treated with psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy, studies show that physical exercises can be an important complementary therapy, and should be implemented in the routine.
In addition, exercises also influence the promotion of social interaction, stress reduction, memory aid and increased energy.
How do hormones work?
Physically, during the practice of physical exercises, the hormones of natural neurotransmitters associated with well-being and mood control, such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, glutamate and GABA, are increased.
According to Kavussanu and Mcauley, more active individuals are more optimistic and less pessimistic, however, in another study by M. Mota and J. Cruz , a hypothesis is raised that says that individuals with a better mental health profile sought to be in greater activity.
Either way, they all concluded that the activities influence mood and are beneficial for mental health.
Promotion of social life
As social beings, being in group activities can promote well-being. In this sense, gyms and classes can be an opportunity for socialization.
Setting goals and achieving completion during a group class can also bring a sense of accomplishment (mastery) that raises self-esteem and reinforces you to practice again.
Stress Reduction
Every day we are faced with situations of delays, difficulties, fights, and the way we deal with emotions when these situations arise often depends on emotional balance.
When we practice physical exercises we get a greater feeling of relaxation, which helps to control stress, in addition to influencing a better night’s sleep.
Physical activity helps memory
Some studies suggest that physical activity improves individuals’ cognition, which may be the result of an increase in brain metabolism.
This improvement occurs due to a decrease in reaction time and an increase in attentional levels.
increases energy
Practitioners of physical exercises have greater vigor and will to carry out their professional and daily activities. They demonstrate less fatigue and greater energy.
Adherence to and maintenance of physical exercises is related to a personal choice, but a form of intervention that can help to stimulate and change behavior is cognitive behavioral therapy.
During the psychotherapy process, daily activities, context preferences (gym, outdoors), social context (playful or competitive, with or without music) are addressed, and this knowledge can lead to a choice that is more adjusted to the patients’ needs.