The importance of physical activity
There’s no denying that physical activity is good for you. Numerous studies have shown that it has all sorts of benefits for our physical and mental health. And yet, despite all of this evidence, many of us still don’t make exercise a priority in our lives.
There are a number of reasons, but one of the biggest is that we simply don’t understand how important it is. We know that it’s good for us, but we don’t realize just how beneficial it can be.
Here are some of the ways that regular physical activity can improve your life:
- It can help you live longer
One of the most well-established benefits of physical activity is that it can help you live longer. Numerous studies have shown that people who are physically active have a lower risk of dying prematurely than those who are inactive.
In one large-scale study, researchers followed more than 650,000 adults over the course of eight years. They found that the more active people were, the lower their risk of dying during the study period.
There are many different mechanisms that explain how physical activity can lead to a longer life. For one, it helps to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also helps to reduce levels of inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a number of health problems.
- It can improve your mental health
Physical activity is not just good for your physical health – it’s also good for your mental health. Exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help to improve brain function and cognitive performance.
In one study, researchers looked at the impact of physical activity on people with moderate to severe depression. They found that those who exercised regularly experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.
Exercise works in a number of different ways to improve mental health. It helps to increase levels of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and endorphins. It also leads to changes in brain structure and function that support better mental health.
- It can help you sleep better
If you struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality, then regular physical activity can help. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and increase the amount of time you spend in deep sleep.
There are a few different mechanisms that explain how exercise can improve sleep. For one, it helps to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, which can otherwise interfere with sleep. It also helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve the function of sleep-related hormones.
- It can increase your energy levels
It might seem counterintuitive, but exercise can actually increase your energy levels. If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, then a quick workout can be a great pick-me-up.
This phenomenon is known as “exercise-induced hypoemia.” It occurs because exercise leads to an increase in blood flow to the muscles. This, in turn, leads to improved muscle function and increased energy production.
Of course, physical activity is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet and avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive drinking.