Life-Changing Impacts of Exercise
As many of you most likely know, I am a big fan of exercise — especially if I can be out in nature. If that’s not an option, I use the treadmill, stationary bike, and add in free weights, yoga and floor exercises. It helps to foster higher levels of energy, clear thinking and stronger memory — not to mention it just plain makes me happy. Exercise is also a tried and true way to maintain a healthy weight. Throughout my multiple sclerosis (MS) journey, I’ve recognized that exercise is a crucial aspect of promoting both physical and mental well-being. As it turns out, these benefits are strongly supported by science. So if you could use more of these perks, keep reading to learn about how exercise can change your life for the better.
More Happiness. Less Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
One of the best ways to beat the blues, calm anxiety, and tame stress is to exercise. At this time of the year it’s particularly important as many tend to suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to shorter days and less exposure to sunlight. If you believe you have this condition, it’s best to exercise outside even if it’s overcast for the most benefit.
Research has shown consistently that exercise is good for your mental health. This fascinating study found that those with MS who walked or practiced yoga experienced “improvements in overall acute mood symptoms”, while feelings of increased vigor were linked specifically to walking.
Exercise has been found to produce positive changes in the area of the brain that regulates stress and anxiety. It also increases brain sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps to alleviate mood disorders like depression.
Interestingly, the impact of exercise is so powerful that when you stop exercising regularly, symptoms of anxiety and depression come back into play — even if you only take a few weeks off.
Improved Energy Levels
A regular exercise routine is a sure-fire way to boost your energy levels. Here’s why. When your heart gets pumping, it delivers more oxygen to the tissues. Over time, this process becomes more efficient so that your heart, lungs, and muscles don’t need to work as hard, which conserves overall energy. You also are benefiting from increased oxygen intake.
Exercise also helps to alleviate the extreme exhaustion in those with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and many other health conditions. In fact, this study discovered that exercise therapy was more effective at increasing energy levels in CFS patients than other methods — including relaxation and stretching techniques.
Increased Fat Loss
Sedentary lifestyles are a real threat to health on many levels, but above all for our waistlines. Inactivity is a main driver of weight gain and obesity. On the flip side, when you exercise regularly, you raise your metabolic rate, which burns more calories for fat loss. According to research, combining aerobic exercise with weight training is the best way to increase fat loss and build muscle mass for long-term weight loss.
Enhanced Brain and Memory Function
As we have seen, exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. This is good news for your brain! What’s more, it also stimulates specific hormones that encourage the growth of brain cells. Studies have shown that when you exercise, it causes the hippocampus to grow in size. This is the area of the brain that is linked with memory and learning. It is also greatly impacted by the aging process. You can read more about how to keep an aging brain healthy and sharp here.
Looking for Additional Support to Boost Mental Wellness? Try My Brain Bundle.
Along with exercise, medicinal herbs have been essential in boosting my clarity and overall brain health. So much so that I use my Brain Bundle tinctures on a daily basis. The bundle contains a range of powerful, brain-enhancing botanicals, including Lemon Balm and dual-extracted Lion’s Mane, Reishi , and Cordyceps mushrooms.
I will leave you with this wonderful testimonial about the life-changing impact of these powerful herbs:
Wow! The Lemon Balm really helps my ADHD so I can focus. It has also made a big difference in my memory and stress levels. I use the entire Brain Bundle and the Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps have also been huge game-changers for me. My energy is better and I have less brain fog from the mushrooms. Thank you!
– Martha R.
Interested in learning more? Visit the apothecary today!
Nicole Apelian
