Many people hit the gym to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and of course,To get that famous beach body, keeping fit has many additional benefits too. Scientists have pondered how exercising can be related to an increase in brain function. studies show that making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits. Here are a few things you might not have realised are happening to your body whilst engaged in a healthy lifestyle.

1. Reduce stress

Rough day? One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Working up a sweat can help manage physical and mental stress, Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s responsivness to stress. So go ahead and get sweaty — working out can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension. happy days

2. Boost happy chemicals

Getting through a few miles on the cv equipment can be tough, but it’s worth the effort! Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of Happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed  . For this reason, doctors recommend that people suffering from depression or anxiety or those who are just feeling down pencil in plenty of gym time. In some cases, exercise can be just as effective as antidepressant pills in treating depression. Don’t worry if you’re not exactly the gym rat type — getting a happy buzz from working out for just 30 minutes a few times a week can instantly boost your overall mood.

3. Improve self-confidence

On a very basic level, physical fitness can boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image. Regardless of weight, size, gender, or age, exercise can quickly elevate a person’s perception of his or her attractiveness and self worth.

4. Prevent cognitive decline

It’s unpleasant, but it’s true — as we get older, our brains get a little… hazy. As aging and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s kill off brain cells, the noggin actually shrinks, losing many important brain functions in the process. While exercise and a healthy diet can’t “cure” Alzheimer’s, they can help the brain delay that cognitive decline that begins after age 45. Exercising especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.

5. Boost brainpower

Those buff lab rats might be smarter than we think. Various studies on mice and men have shown that cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells (aka neurogenesis ) and improve overall brain performance.  Studies suggest that a tough workout increases levels of a brain-derived protein (known as BDNF) in the body, believed to help with decision making, higher thinking, and learning. 

6. Increase relaxation

Ever hit the hay after a long run or weight session at the gym? For some, a moderate workout can be the equivalent of a sleeping pill, even for people with insomnia. Moving around five to six hours before bedtime raises the body’s core temperature. When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it signals the body that it’s time to sleep  .

7. Tap into creativity

Most people end a tough workout with a hot shower, but maybe we should be breaking out the pen and pad instead. A heart-pumping gym session can boost creativity for up to two hours afterwards  . Supercharge post-workout inspiration by exercising outdoors and interacting with nature. Next time you need a burst of creative thinking, hit the open air for a long walk or run to refresh the body and the brain at the same time.

Working out can have positive effects far beyond the gym and the beach. Gaining self-confidence, getting out of a down slump, and even thinking smarter are some of the motivations to take time for exercise on a regular basis.