I have found that the biggest benefit of exercising is better mental health — even more than physical fitness.
Exercising reduces anxiety and depression, and improves well-being and brain health, though it is not 100% clear how that happens. However, here are a few likely mechanisms:
1. Exercising increases the level of dopamine and serotonin, which improves mood. Dopamine is the ‘motivation chemical’ while serotonin makes you feel better (at the risk of oversimplification).
2. When you start exercising, initially, your stress goes up – after all, your body needs the energy to push hard. But after a good bout of exercise, the level of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) declines. This calms you down.
3. Exercises is said to trigger endorphin release (though this theory is disputed). Personally, I feel so blissful after a long run that it feels like you are on some drug.
4. When you start your day with intense exercise, the sense of accomplishment keeps you motivated – you tend to eat less junk, be more focused, sleep better, and feel more in control.
5. Exercising increases blood supply to the brain, increases the generation of new neurons, and improves learning, memory, and attention span.
If you want to take it to the next level, combine morning exercise with meditation.
Here is something that makes you fitter, smarter, look better, and feel better.
All it needs is some self-discipline and commitment. But what doesn’t need that?
– Rajan