Editor’s Note: In this opinion piece, Elaine Vanessa an Occupational and Physical Therapist discusses why exercise plays such an important role in maintaining physical and mental health.
By Elaine Vanessa (Occupational and Physical Therapist, Dissertation Assistance)
A healthy mind needs a healthy body and vice-versa. This has been a known truth discovered by various physiologists and mental therapy professionals for quite some time.
Exercising on a routine basis can improve our moods the same way an unhealthy lifestyle can adversely impact our minds creating stress. Exercising at our homes, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic is a huge concern because a lot of people are feeling distraught and with some exercise, they can uplift their morals and feel more active.
According to a recent study by Statista.com, 27% of respondents to a survey conducted during April 2020 reported a decrease in exercise-related activities as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Other than that, around 53% said they were exercising as usual as they were before the pandemic while surprisingly, 17% observed that they have been exercising more than usual.
In light of this information, let’s take a quick look at how a healthy exercise routine can play an important role in our lives.
Detoxifies Your Body
The human body is naturally gifted with a detox system that removes toxins from the body. However, with a sedentary lifestyle, much of our organs become inactive, overloaded, and lethargic with time. Frequently exercising regulates the functions of the human body that are necessary for our upkeep.
This keeps the body parts and organs in a healthy state where through the process of urination, defecation, and sweating toxins within our body are excreted out of our systems. Poor exercise can lead to the development of troubles related to metabolism and the digestive tract.
Enhanced Cognitive Functioning
When you exercise, not only do you detoxify your body but also helps in supporting brain health. This is due to the fact that exercise allows for better blood flow and circulation, along with making your lungs powerful.
This increases the supply of oxygen which the human brain relies on heavily. Many studies nowadays also report that exercise can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress which is why you see a lot of people practicing yoga and Tai Chi around the planet.
Glowing Skin
Apart from improving your body posture and helping you look more attractive, exercise also improves your skin, complexion, and acts like a de-aging agent. This can be especially true for special face exercises that reduce wrinkles and make your skin look younger.
Furthermore, regular exercise can also make your skin glow by helping you fight off toxins within the body that can affect your appearance. Exercise promotes collagen production, supports new skin cell development, and provides important nutrients to your skin from within.
Improved Sleep
Sleeping disorders are considered fatal if not managed properly. As human beings, we require our time to shut off and relax. Nighttime sleep in this regard is extremely important as this is where our biological clock restarts and rejuvenates our body, preparing it for the day ahead.
Missing sleep can result in the development of serious health issues and ailments. By exercising regularly, your body can achieve better nighttime sleep and lead to all-around improvements in your life.
Reduce Risk of Diseases
Exercise can be a major factor in improving your heart and well-being. Exercise increases tolerance of your body, improves cholesterol profile, better insulin sensitivity, as well as glucose levels. This all leads to greater life expectancy and a better quality of life.
People who suffer from cardiovascular troubles like coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and other heart diseases are often advised to walk or even jog if they can to improve their physical conditions.
Stronger Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is made of the bones, cartilage, joints, ligaments, muscles, and various other connective tissues that support and bind organs together. It is a miracle of nature and therefore rightly deserves to be treated like a temple. Exercise is the need for your musculoskeletal to stay healthy and fit.
It not only leads to stronger bones and their development but also helps in the production of stronger muscles and ligaments. Exercising during the pandemic is a great way to care for your musculoskeletal system. Negating this health factor can lead to the development of health problems in the future.
Weight Management
It is a known fact that becoming a sloth will naturally make you more obese and that just consuming calories day after day without burning them can lead to serious concerns.
Exercise allows you to burn excess fat in your body as well as cleanse your inner systems from unhealthy nutrients forming a mass structure and collecting at one point.
This regulation of the human body and its system is a must and should be considered necessary for our upkeep. Today you can find a lot of regimens being sold commercially that can help you with your weight management.
Conclusion
This is neither a complete nor an exhaustive list of benefits that exercising can offer you in your life. Studies reveal that exercise also improves sex drive along with mental focus and the ability to concentrate. Overall exercising should be considered an obligation to avoid and combat unhealthy lifestyles that we have generally adopted, leading towards sedentary living.
Elaine Vanessa currently works as an Occupational and Physical Therapist at Dissertation Assistance. This is where higher education students can acquire research proposal writing service UK from professionals specializing in their field of study. During her free time, she likes to meditate and practice mindful yoga.
