It’s amazing how incorporating exercise into our lives whether it’s daily or a set number of times a week can have a positive impact on us. Realistically those that can should be doing some kind of exercise daily whether it’s walking, running, swimming, training in a gym etc. The difference when we do this can be very beneficial in a wide range of ways. In this post, we look at ways exercise improves quality of life.
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Ways Exercise Improves Quality of Life
Mental Health
With the mental health of many being on an all time low it is great to hear that simply doing 30+ minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a day can reduce feelings of anxiety, negativity, and depression. This includes cycling, swimming, jogging, dancing, walking and gardening. One of the reasons for this is thought to be as blood flow is increased to the brain it allows for better mood balancing. Another, as many will be aware is that exercise triggers the release of endorphins – known as happy hormones. These promote positive feelings and general happiness.
I find a walk in a picturesque park can really help soothe the mind as well as get me moving. It can really have a positive impact on how I feel for the rest of the day so I try to get a walk in as early as possible.
Improves General Health
Exercising regularly reduces your risks of getting a long-term chronic condition such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, dementia, some types of cancers etc. With our lifestyles being far more sedentary than ever we need to make an effort to get ourselves up and moving much more. By doing this we help our body function more effectively and enable our body to be better effective at resisting illness. It also increases our chances of living longer.
By exercising we also help strengthen our bones and muscles. It’s important to do some form of weight-bearing and resistance training as it helps build up muscle mass and bone density. As we age we may experience reduced muscle mass and strength as well as bone density so it helps to prepare our body and build it up before this starts to happen.
Improves Sleep
When you exercise regularly it can help reduce stress, by doing so, and this, in turn, can then lead to a deeper more restful sleep that lasts longer. You’ll wake up feeling more refreshed as a result which will help boost your mood and your energy levels too. Studies show people who suffer from insomnia tend to do less exercise than those without insomnia. Exercising in bright light in the morning can help reinforce the natural body clock. This helps even more as you get older as the circadian rhythms weaken with age.
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Increases Energy Levels
As we exercise we increase our heart rate and get blood pumping around the body. The hormones released don’t just work to lift our spirits but also boost our energy levels. A study conducted showed that 90% of individuals that did regular exercise felt less tired generally when compared to those that did not exercise. Makes you think, doesn’t it? Next time you feel tired, a quick jog might be a better option than a cup of coffee which doesn’t always give the energy boost we’d hope for.
Boosts Brain Health
As we age our brain function isn’t as good as we would like. But, when we exercise we increase blood flow to the brain. This increases the amount of oxygen and also other chemicals that improve brain function and structure. Basically, daily or regular exercise can help improve memory and thinking skills, allow you to learn better than those that don’t exercise, and helps to keep the mind sharper. It is also thought that it may delay the start of Alzheimer’s for those at risk of developing it and improve memory, thinking skills, etc for those that have mild Alzheimer’s.
Do you try to exercise regularly?
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I do try to exercise daily. I force myself to jog in the mornings and lift some weights. I do miss my metabolism, I won’t lie.
It does change as we age and get harder to shift those calories.
I used to exercise regularly and I really need to get back into a good routine. It’s so healthy to prevent heart disease and diabetes which both run in my family.
Exercise has so many great benefits. That is why I am so passionate about fitness.
I’ve been trying really hard to hike and walk almost every day. With winter coming, I need to do as much as I can, while the trails and roads aren’t icy. It definitely is improving my life, so far! 🙂
I’m a big fan of exercise. I try to do it every day. My days aren’t the same when I don’t exercise. I just feel so much better when I’m active.
I always feel so much better after I exercise! It helps me sleep better and helps prevent my back from feeling so stiff.
Exercise is the best. It does so much for more mental health and of course physical too!
Time flies but you can always make time for yourself-no matter how small.
There really are endless benefits when it comes to exercising. Such an important part of our daily routine!
Exercising does have so many benefits, we never really think about, it is great to see the various ways it does help us.
I keep saying this and it’s a bit of a cliche, but I really DO need to get more exercise – lol – one day it will actually happen 😀
Exercise can do so much for our bodies – physically and mentally. It is great to incorporate it even if we can only manage a bit at a time.
I do try to exercise early, I love going on walks with my husband and walking my children to and from school.
Yes to all of these! A big reason I exercise is for mental health and also to ensure I can nod off at night – I am like a dog I need to be exercised every day…
I think I need to start doing exercise regularly. Thanks for sharing this and reminding me how important it is.
Start a few days a week and try to increase to as much as you can. It won’t take look to see the benefits.
These are some really great points to consider when on the fence about committing to exercise!
I do try to exercise regularly. Another thing is that it improves circulation. This is a great article.
Exercise surely improves physical and mental health. My exercise routine is walking.
That’s good that you spend time exercising.
I look forward to getting outside or going to the gym it’s crucial for my mental to move and have that time to myself. It’s as important mentally as it is physically.
All great things to support why we should all regularly exercise. And I love the shoes!
I completely agree with everything you touch on in this post. Its amazing how much our bodies need exercise!
There are so many benefits to exercise! I’m trying to get back into a running routine!
I think it can change the older you get. I have just started a fitness journey and it has been so hard.
I am finding that doing exercise is so important, especially as I am getting older. Thank you for reminding that we need to keep our physical health and mental health in check
I need to start working out. I feel so guilty end of the day that I don’t take care of my body.
I think many are guilty of this. Doing something can make you feel better x
I know I definitely need to exercise more, but it’s finding the time to do it that I find difficult
Exercise really does make a big difference – I try to get motivated to do more!
I have been doing more walking and it has improved my physical and mental health.
I’ve been a member of my gym for well over 10 years and enjoy not just the exercise but the friends I have made over the years. I enjoy the walk down there at the crack of dawn in the peace and quiet.
It can be so much better once you get to know people and make friends.
I really need to do more exercises and this is a good motivational piece thanks
Thanks you so much. I’m so glad you liked the post x
I would love to exercise more but my body will not allow me to as I am getting older I try walking but can only do short distances
Exercise is great but also diet is extremely important. Upping fruit and veg intake can have a big impact on health.
My mental health has not been good for quite a while now and after talking to the dr recently she said to give yoga a try. At first I was I was sceptical, but it has actually made a difference and I am also sleeping better.
It is weird how you don’t usually associate exercise in giving you more energy as many people look exhausted after it. But it does in the long run. I remember how I was able to be so much more productive when I was exercising every day. I noticed my metabolism increased as I got more hungry before mealtimes even though I lost weight
I do try to manage at least a good walk every day and I do Aquavit twice a week, which is very enjoyable
I do need to start trying to do a little a day as you say it should help boost my energy levels.
I love swimming, go once a week and always feel better. I like going for a daily walk too.
Those are great options and do have a positive impact on our health.
I am proof excerisce, even a brisk walk helps life the mood!!! 🙂 x
I love exercising and getting free endorphins from it
Ha, yes that certainly is a bonus!!!
You have made some very good points here. I think we underestimate the benefits exercise has on mental health and I am glad you have pointed this out.
Try and go running regularly and go out walking the dog everyday, exercise and fresh air are key.
My exercise routine is walking. i find it always imporves my mental health especially since i got my dog
A useful reminder about the importance and benefits of exercise. I walk a lot but not for pleasure so could certainly make more effort to do so.
I need to start exercising again, I had to leave the gym due to cost of living and since then I’ve lost all motivation but I’m determined to start working out at home and eating healthier in the new year
a great post, i don’t regularly exercise at the moment but planned to try finding something that works for me in the new year.
I really appreciate you spreading the important message that exercise can improve the quality of our lives. I particularly appreciated the specific examples you provided of how exercise can positively impact various aspects of our lives, from physical health to mental well-being. This is a great reminder of the many benefits of incorporating regular exercise into our daily routines.
Exercise is so important for numerous reasons including strengthening muscles and bones, boosting cardio and mental health and helping lengthen a higher quality of life. I really don’t do as much exercise as I should but posts like this serve to remind me to get off my butt. Thank you for sharing such an informative and inspiring post!
I think the benefits of regular exercise are numerous and I definitely feel better when I am sticking to my regime!
Great advice thanks, I suffer from depression and anxiety and have lost all motivation, drive and energy, but I know I must push myself in the ways you’ve advised if I’m ever going to get better.