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The Connection Between Mood and Physical Activity

The Connection Between Mood and Physical Activity

The Connection Between Mood & Physical Activity

Aerobic Exercise Produces Endorphins, the “Feel Good” Chemicals, which Improves Concentration, Regulates Sleep, and Boosts Mood

When you have depression, anxiety, or life seems to get in the way and consume your time, exercise often seems like the last thing on your to-do list. But once you get motivated, or become self-disciplined, exercise can make a big difference. Evidence shows a connection between staying active and improved mental health and overall mood. Studies show people who exercise at least two to three times per week experience less depression, anger, and stress than those who exercise less frequently or not at all.

Aerobic exercise produces endorphins, the “feel good” chemicals. It also increases your heart rate, which triggers norepinephrine, a chemical that may help the brain deal with stress more effectively. In addition, exercise helps to increase blood flow to the brain which, in turn, impacts all your cellular functions from improving concentration to regulating sleep to ultimately boosting your mood.

There are many benefits of exercise including, but not limited to:

1.

GETTING A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP

Regular exercise – 20-30 minutes a day – can improve your sleep quality and brain function.

2.

SHARPENING YOUR THINKING

Multiple studies show that your concentration is enhanced after exercise. Increased blood flow allows for an increase in oxygen to the brain. Thereby, enhancing your ability to process information effectively and efficiently.

3.

IMPROVING YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

The release of endorphins in the brain not only reduces your perception of pain and triggers a positive feeling in the body, but can also help increase your energy levels.

4.

REDUCING HEALTH ISSUES

Regular physical activity can help manage weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. In turn, this may improve your self-esteem and body image, increased satisfaction with oneself, and give you pride in physical accomplishments.

5.

IMPROVING YOUR CONFIDENCE

When you exercise, your body feels better physically and mentally — which, can help you feel better about your quality of life and have a more positive attitude towards ourselves.

6.

BOOSTING YOUR MOOD

Exercise stimulates the production of chemicals that improve your mood as well as helping to reduce anxiety and stimulate feelings of calm.

7.

RELEASING STRESS

Physical activity reduces levels of our body’s stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol while having a positive effect on your cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems, further protecting your body from the harmful effects of stress.

8.

ENHANCING MEMORY

The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. It grows during regular physical activity.

9.

RELIEVING ANXIETY

Rhythmic activities that require moving both your arms and legs are especially effective, such as walking, running, swimming, martial arts, or dancing.

10.

REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION

Many activities encourage you to get into social settings which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s important to mental health to have interaction each day.

Meet the Authors and Personal Trainers.

Our Very Own Whitney (top) and Josey (bottom).

We are fortunate to have Whitney and Josey contribute health and fitness tips and tricks for getting your steps in. Both ladies work as Member-Athlete Representatives at FitnessBank during the day, and on weekends and week-day evenings — when they aren’t training on their own — they are training clients. Both are certified personal trainers. If you have any questions about FitnessBank, banking, tracking steps on the app or about posts like this; please email them at onlinesupport@fitnessbank.fit.

Banking with FitnessBank

Two of FitnessBank’s top priorities are Physical Fitness and Financial Strength. That’s why we encourage you to turn your steps into BIG savings – higher interest rates. Contact us today to get started. You can download our step tracking app, open an Elite Checking, or open a Fitness Savings account today. Have questions? Then, contact us – Whitney, Josey, Glenn, Becky, Katrina, …. anyone on staff. 

We look forward to having you join and become a Member-Athlete.

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As of &zwnj, the interest rate(s) and annual percentage yield(s) are accurate. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce account earnings. Rates are valid for accounts opened online and require a valid email address.The interest rate on this account is based on the Average Daily Steps from the prior month. Rate updates for average daily steps from the prior month are reviewed no later than the second week of the following month. The initial APY will be current top tier until the rate adjustment date following first full month that the account has been opened. Rates are valid for accounts opened online and require a valid email address.