HEALTH

Mental Health Crisis: Try These Insane “5 Workouts” For Better Mental Health

March 15, 2024

The title “Try These Insane 5 Workouts” might conjure up images of fire jumps, kettlebell juggling, or sprinting in a weighted vest. But when it comes to boosting mental health, sometimes “insane” isn’t the answer.

Fitting a workout into a busy schedule is a constant challenge that we all face. So why do we keep doing it? Most of us are looking for the physical benefits of exercise, such as losing weight or getting stronger, but the daily movement is also one of the best things you can do to improve your mental health.

Working out every day decreases stress, boosts your mood, and improves sleep.

But not all workouts are created equal.

Just like there are some exercises that are better for your body, some are better for your mind.

So what workouts are the best for your mental health?

This article explores five different, yet effective, workouts that can significantly improve your mood and well-being, without requiring superhuman feats.

Why Exercise for Mental Health?

We all know exercise is good for our physical health, but its impact on mental well-being is just as important. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood elevators that combat stress hormones and leave you feeling happy and energized. Additionally, physical activity improves sleep quality, a significant factor in mental health.

The 5 Fitness Fighters for Mental Fitness

Here are five diverse workouts you can incorporate into your routine to experience the positive mental effects of exercise:

Mindful Movement Magic: Yoga

Yoga is more than just fancy pretzel poses. It’s a mind-body practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. Yoga promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves focus. The focus on breathwork helps regulate the nervous system, leading to a calmer state of mind. Studies have shown yoga to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.

Nature’s Therapy: Running (or Walking)

Lace up your shoes and head outdoors! Running is a fantastic way to clear your head and boost your mood. The rhythmic pounding of your feet on the pavement (or trail) has a meditative quality. Plus, being in nature provides an additional mental health benefit. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress hormones, improve mood, and boost creativity. If running is too intense, brisk walking offers similar benefits.

The Social Sweat Session: Group Fitness Classes

Feeling isolated can negatively impact your mental health. Group fitness classes offer a solution! The camaraderie and social interaction you experience in a group setting can combat loneliness and boost motivation. The shared experience of pushing yourself alongside others can be incredibly empowering, leading to a sense of accomplishment and improved self-esteem.

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (Even if They Are): Dance Fitness

Let loose and unleash your inner dancing queen (or king)! Dance fitness classes combine cardio with fun dance moves, creating a joyful and energetic workout. Dancing promotes the release of endorphins and can significantly improve mood. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to express yourself creatively and shed inhibitions.

Strength for the Mind and Body: Strength Training

Strength training isn’t just about building muscle. It’s also a powerful tool for mental well-being. Lifting weights can boost self-confidence as you witness your strength increase. Additionally, the focus required during strength training exercises can be a form of mindfulness, taking your mind off daily stressors.

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Additional Exercise for Mental Health

1. Yoga

Yoga is an exercise that challenges both the body and mind. It burns calories and makes you stronger, while also increasing awareness and feelings of calm through breathing techniques.

A regular yoga practice has been shown to decrease anxiety, increase happiness, and even relieve chronic pain, such as migraines.

Yoga also increases resilience, which is something a lot of us are looking for a little more of, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the major ways that Yoga improves mental health is through increasing GABA, a brain chemical that is often low in people who suffer from anxiety disorders.

Yoga also increases mindfulness through a focus on the present moment and connection between the mind and the body.

2. Running

Running is a great way to boost endorphins and lower stress. As an added bonus, it doesn’t require any equipment or a gym. All you need is a pair of high-quality running shoes and a great playlist.

Running burns a lot calories in a short period of time and also has huge mental benefits.

Some studies have found that running may actually work as well as medication when it comes to decreasing anxiety.

Running outside is especially valuable, since being in nature is linked to decreased stress and improved mood.

3. Walking

For some people, a consistent running habit can be tough on their joints, knees, or shins. If that’s the case for you, you’ll see the same improvements to your mental health from walking.

Walking is a low-intensity workout that’s also a great way to clear your mind and get out of the house.

While it may seem counterintuitive, one of the best ways to boost your productivity at work is to take a break and go for a short walk. You’ll come back feeling refreshed, more focused, and ready to power through your to-do list.

4. Kickboxing

After a difficult day, there’s no better way to bust stress than to punch it out.

A Cardio Kickboxing workout is usually a series of combos composed of different combinations of punches and kicks.

Not only is it a ton of fun, it also boosts confidence and makes you feel more powerful and strong.

For more reasons to try Kickboxing, check out this article.

5. Dancing

You can always rely on a dance workout for a major mood boost.

Dancing allows you to let loose and have fun while letting go of any stressors from the day.

Like Kickboxing, dancing is a great way to improve confidence and self-esteem.

Studies also show that dancing improves brain function as you age since it keeps your mind active while you’re executing the choreography.

Exercise is for the mind as much as it is for the body.

Working out has incredible benefits, but it’s not worth it if it feels like something you have to do instead of something you want to do.

If you’re having trouble sticking to a consistent routine, keep trying out different workouts, until you find something that you love rather than dread.

The Takeaway: Find What Works for You

The key to using exercise for mental health is to find activities you enjoy. Don’t force yourself into a workout routine you hate. Experiment with different types of exercise until you discover what makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. Consistency is key, so aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Remember: You don’t have to go “insane” to experience the mental health benefits of exercise. Start with something you can manage and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your fitness improves. By incorporating these workouts into your routine, you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier you!