Exercise isn’t just good for your body – it’s also good for your mind. It’s been proven that movement really is medicine, unleashing mental health benefits that go beyond a boost of self-esteem. From cardio’s feel-good hormone rush to yoga’s sleep-enhancing effects, here are five ways a 30-minute workout can keep your mind in shape…
1. A flood of feel-good hormones
One of the biggest benefits of exercise is the effect it has on your hormones. Get your heart rate up with 20-30 minutes of cardio, and endorphins will rush into your bloodstream. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood-boosters, producing what’s known in the running world as a ‘runner’s high’.
Then there’s serotonin. Also produced when you get your body moving, it’s another neurotransmitter that elevates your mood by sending positive signals to your brain. Those with a serotonin deficiency may suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and depression, which is why it’s so important to keep this hormone active in your body.
Enjoy exercise at least three times per week, and endorphins and serotonin will work in harmony, promoting happiness, self-esteem and relaxation. You can also team your workouts with mind-kind supplements, like the Ashwagandha Wellness Gummies. Each gummy is packed with Vitamin B6 to improve your mental wellbeing – the easiest pick-me-up.
2. A welcome distraction
As well as flooding your body with feel-good hormones, a workout can be a great distraction when you’re trapped in the cycle of overthinking. Sign up to a class or put your playlist on and head out for a run when your brain is working overtime. Just make sure it’s an exercise you actually enjoy – not one that adds to your feelings of stress. It can take a little time and experimenting, but there’s a workout that works for everyone. Once you find it, it can become your safe space when life feels like it’s getting on top of you.
3. Sense of achievement
Finding your confidence from fitness isn’t about how your body looks – it’s about how you feel. There’s a huge sense of achievement that comes from smashing your PB, upping your weights in the gym, or simply showing up. So, when your self-esteem is flagging, try setting aside 30 minutes to exercise. It could mean going for a swim or getting on your bike. Anything that makes you feel like you’ve taken back control of your day.
4. A boost of energy
You might think that exercise will wear you out and make you feel more tired, but a workout is actually a natural energy booster that levels up your endurance. In short, by getting fitter, you train your muscles for extra, long-term strength. Plus, the exercise you do sends oxygen and nutrients to your tissues to support your cardiovascular system. Better heart and lung health means you’ll have more day-to-day energy, so that low sense of fatigue won’t hit as frequently. No more sluggish moods – you’ll soon start to feel lighter and brighter.
Capitalise on improved energy with a revitalising kick of Vitamin C each day. One serving of the Bright Days CBD Capsules gives you 225% of your daily Vitamin C dose – great for fighting fatigue.
5. A restful night
While cardio too close to bedtime isn’t a good idea if you struggle to sleep, doing a workout around two to three hours before lights out may help you drift off quicker. Why? Well, aside from keeping your body active enough to trigger the need for rest, your fitness routine’s effects on sleep also come down to temperature.
When you exercise, your body’s core temperature rises, telling your body clock it’s time to be awake. But after 30 to 90 minutes, your temperature comes back down, which can make you feel drowsy (as long as you’re relaxing and already in rest mode). So, time your workout just right to take advantage of that sleepy mood. Follow it up with your wind-down routine: take the Night-Time CBD Oil Drops, brush your teeth and get tucked in with a book.
Of course, if you reach the very end of the day and you still want to work out, yoga is a great option that won’t make you feel too powered up to sleep. Check YouTube for ‘sleep yoga’ videos to guide you into a sense of relaxation. Chew two Sleep Wellness Gummies beforehand for a dreamy, sleep-supporting blend of Chamomile, Lemon Balm and Vitamin B6.
This is also a great time to give yourself a CBD massage to work out post-exercise knots. Scoop out the Muscle Rescue CBD Muscle Balm, and rub it into areas of tension for a moment of calm.
Looking for more ways to keep your mind fit?
