Exercise: Nature’s Antidepressants?

Oftentimes we may associate fitness with physical goals- whether it be losing weight, toning up or building muscle. Often we bypass the most crucial element of exercise, which are the endless mental health benefits. Just like we take our bodies to gym to work out, we also must do the same with our brains. As we enter the darker months in the northern hemisphere, with way less vitamin D and sun than we are used to -many of us are often faced with seasonal depression. Not only that - but coming out of several years of being stuck inside due to covid has wreaked havoc on many people’s mental well being. Movement is nature’s solution to these issues. Exercise induces good blood flow to deliver all the nutrients required to carry out the brain’s job, and also improves memory-increasing a production of molecules called BDNF ( brain derived neurotropic factor. Fitness also reduces stress. Working out can actually get you high! Exercise increases levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, just like medications can.You can quite literally get high on your own supply. Exercise improves and helps regulate neurotransmitter levels, which ultimately helps us feel mentally healthy. There are 5 main key factors to Brain Health

MOVE. Exercise is the first pillar. ...

• RELAX. Sleep enough and avoid stress. ...

• NOURISH. Eat well. ...

• DISCOVER. Think. ...

• CONNECT.