The Wellness Edit: fitness and the brain

While fitness and exercise are largely popularised for their physical benefits, mental improvements are slowly growing more important for individuals. How fitness can benefit the mind is significant and can be most the most important part of exercising. However, the brain and fitness also work together in other ways such as using our minds to improve our fitness. This article will examine the interrelated aspects of fitness and the brain and how to ultimately make the most of this to feel our best in every aspect.

Engaging in fitness activities enhances cognitive function, boosts concentration, and sharpens memory

Let’s begin by considering how exercise and fitness can positively affect your mental wellbeing. Fitness plays a vital role in improving mental health and overall wellbeing as it stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals which help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It also improves sleep quality, a critical factor in maintaining mental clarity and emotional stability. Engaging in fitness activities enhances cognitive function, boosts concentration, and sharpens memory. It provides a sense of achievement and empowerment, fostering self-esteem and resilience. Whether it’s a walk to university, a yoga session, or a more intense workout, movement helps clear the mind and promote emotional balance.

If you’re looking to take it a step further and make the most of the sunny weather that’s starting to appear, outdoor exercises further amplify mental health benefits by exposing individuals to natural sunlight. This then boosts vitamin D levels and improves mood. As well as taking a break from university work, this means any walk or run outside will help your mood and productivity in a much better way than a quick TikTok scroll will.

A lot of this information won’t be new to you but the benefits that positive mental health and mind training have on fitness and exercise are sometimes ignored. A healthy mindset can be the driving force behind consistency and motivation, which are often key to achieving fitness goals. When we work on mental resilience and focus, it can lead to being better equipped to push through challenges and maintain a routine whether it’s an early Monday morning or Saturday afternoon.

Training the mind to manage stress and set realistic expectations prevents burnout and promotes a healthier relationship with exercise

Mindset also plays a crucial role in how we perceive our progress. Instead of being overly critical or discouraged by slow results, a positive mental approach helps us celebrate small victories and stay patient with the process. Working on self-confidence and focusing on yourself can be important in maintaining motivation without starting to compare ourselves to those around us or social media. Similarly, training the mind to manage stress and set realistic expectations prevents burnout and promotes a healthier relationship with exercise.

So, how do we do train our minds to accomplish our goals? Often, we forget that training the mind is like training any other muscle. It takes consistency and a desire to achieve goals. Practising daily mindfulness through meditation can be a way to do this and focus on yourself so you carry positive habits into exercise. Another method can be concentrating on your workouts by using deep breathing or mindfulness podcasts to stay focused on your actions. Over time, these practices help you build a stronger connection between your mind and body, enhancing your mental and physical performance.

When thinking about fitness, don’t forget to consider your brain too and take the time to understand how your physical and mental fitness can work together to achieve goals in all areas of your life.