Hunter Tanner
HLAC
Exercise And a Sense of
Wellbeing:
I
personally believe that to really have a sense of wellbeing you must feel well
physically as well as mentally. These two points go hand in hand, and help
create that balance in your life that creates that sense of wellbeing. What isn’t
understood by many though is the aspect of mental health and being physically
active.
The NHS
(National Health System) in the UK have an entire section on their website
regarding mental health and exercise. This direct quote helps explain in one
way that physical activity aids in relieving symptoms of mental illness:
“Evidence shows that there is a
link between being physically active and good mental wellbeing.
Being active doesn’t mean you need
to spend hours in the gym, if that doesn't appeal to you. Find physical
activities that you enjoy and think about how to fit more of them into your
daily life.”
I personally believe that the
overall point of this quote is very true regarding the relationship between
participating in a physical activity that you enjoy, physical health benefits
that come from that exercise, as well as the joy that you will have doing
something that enjoy and making time for that in your everyday life.
In my experience, I have found that
I will put of exercise and probably not do it if it is honestly something that
I do not find fun or enjoyable. Even though I know that it is healthy, and good
for me, that is not enough of a motivation to get me to the point that I
personally want to participate. For example, going for a run. I do not find
that fun, I find it difficult, un-enjoyable, and that I am watching the time
and counting down until I can just be done already.
In contrast, I have found that I
look for any possible time that I can fit into my day an activity that I truly
do enjoy. I love to go hiking, and instead of taking my dog just for a walk
around the neighborhood, I look for opportunities to take my dog on a hiking
trail. I must make sure that I block out a pretty large amount of time to do so
because unlike running, I lose track of time and could easily be up on a trail
for a good two hours before I realize that I should probably be finished soon.
Looking at the scientific side of
things, this sense of happiness and wellbeing doesn’t just magically come from
doing something that you love to do. HelpGuide.org explains what happens inside
your brain that creates a better sense of wellbeing when you are physically
active, and even combat symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Their website
states:
“It [exercise] promotes all kinds
of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new
activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also
releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your
spirits and make you feel good. Finally, exercise can also serve as a
distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of
negative thoughts that feed depression.”
The chemicals in your brain, and
your neuro pathways have a larger impact on your personal sense of wellbeing
than most people give credit for. So not only is exercise helping your body
literally be healthier by building muscles, burning fat, and creating
endurance. It is helping your brain to do similar things in its’ own way. Those
endorphins that your brain creates when you are physically active are later craved
by your body, and can become a good habit for you to consistently achieve.
I have
found personally that I have a clearer sense of thought, a better outlook on
life, and more positive thoughts about myself as I have strived to incorporate
more physical activity into my life. I have learned from my HLAC class this
semester how to have fun and be physically active. There are countless types of
physical activity out there in the world, something for everybody. It is nice
to have a class where you can set out a time each week to participate in
physical activity, and I have found that it helps me with my focus in other
secular classes that I am taking this semester as well.
Citations:
“Get
Active for Mental Wellbeing - Stress, Anxiety and Depression.” NHS Choices,
NHS,
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/mental-benefits-of-exercise.aspx.
Accessed 24 Apr. 2017.
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