Regular physical activity is not only important for physical health but also plays a key role in mental health. According to experts, mental health is a state of well-being that allows people to cope with stressful moments in life, develop all their skills, and be able to learn and work properly. It is a fundamental part of health and well-being that supports our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, establish relationships and shape the world in which we live. Therefore, it is necessary that we engage in physical activity, which is responsible for stimulating the release of different hormones that help our mind to heal.
By exercising, we stimulate the release of endorphins in our brain, which are secreted during and after physical exercise and induce a greater state of happiness and emotional well-being. Regular and adequate physical activity can reduce the risk of many non-communicable diseases and disorders, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, and depression.
So, how much exercise should we do to give our mental health a boost? According to experts, all the benefits for physical and mental health can be achieved with 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five times a week. Additionally, this can be spread over two 15-minute or three 10-minute exercise sessions. Even a few minutes of physical activity is better than nothing. The key is to commit to doing some physical activity most days.
There are various types of exercises that can be done to improve mental health, such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and dancing. These activities not only help to improve physical health but also benefit mental health, allowing individuals to stay in shape and maintain a positive mindset.
Therefore, it is important for individuals to prioritize physical activity as a part of their daily routine, in order to achieve optimal mental and physical health.