How Exercise Can Help You Cope After Major Life Changes
One thing that remains the same in life is that things are always changing. Sometimes those changes are small, but other times they realign your entire life. Things like divorce or seeking the aid of a San Francisco wrongful death attorney after a loved one passes away unexpectedly can leave you mentally and emotionally reeling.
Thankfully, there are lots of different ways to cope. Exercise happens to be one of the best options because it’s great for your body, and it’s good for your mind. Studies show that working out can improve your sleep, alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, and boost your overall mood.
It can also help to clear your head and take your mind off something that’s negatively impacting your daily life. If you don’t have a workout routine, now could be a good time to start. Here are a few ways exercise can help you cope after major life changes.
Exercise and Stress
Psychological stressors can have just as much impact on your body as they do on your mind. You might feel tense, get headaches, have trouble sleeping, or any other number of physical symptoms of stress. These physical symptoms can create a vicious cycle of physical pain and psychological tension that seems like it will never end.
An effective way to stop the cycle is to get regular exercise. When you work out, your brain releases endorphins that work to relax your muscles and ease tension in your body. Kickboxing, for example, is a great way to release some tension and destress. When your body feels better, your thoughts and mind are sure to follow.
Exercise and Anxiety
One of the top recommended treatments for anxiety is exercise. Walking or running, especially outdoors is a terrific way to ease tension and stress. It’s a natural and effective way to boost your mental and physical energy because it helps to ground you and connects you with the outside world.
A great way to cope with anxiety is to go for a hike on a trail. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Feel the air against your skin and the ground under your feet. Pay close attention to breathe deeply and be in the moment. Not only will the physical effects of anxiety improve more quickly, but you’ll also be able to ease the worries in your mind.
Exercise and Depression
If you’re experiencing mild to moderate depression because of a recent life-change, seeking counsel from legal aid like these OK divorce attorneys or a therapist is ideal. However, research shows that simple exercises like walking for an hour a day can reduce your risk of major depression by as much as 26%.
When you work out, your brain releases powerful endorphins throughout your body that immediately work to improve your mood. Exercise promotes neural growth in your mind that promotes feelings of calm and well-being. It also helps to reduce inflammation throughout your entire body, which will ease your aches and pains, allowing you to break those vicious cycles.
Other Benefits of Exercise
When you’re going through a major life change, it’s quite common to experience a whole host of problems. You might have difficulty concentrating or remembering things. You could be feeling bad about yourself or have low self-esteem. Perhaps, you’re having trouble sleeping or you’re feeling run down without motivation to get things done.
Regular exercise can help you with all these problems. Studies show that among the countless benefits of exercise, you’ll have a sharper memory and better ability to concentrate. Working out will boost your self-esteem, especially if you reach a fitness goal. Regular exercise will also help you sleep better at night and increase your energy throughout the day.
