You’ve probably heard plenty of times in school or from your parents that regular exercise is good for you. Exercise can have many benefits beyond losing weight or toning muscles. It can improve your overall physical and mental health, so make sure you include time for it.
Reduce Risk of Disease
According to the American Council of Exercise, regularly exercising keeps your body fit which can reduce your risk of disease such as heart disease or diabetes. While exercising, you strengthen your muscles and your bones which makes it easier to move and to push yourself more while exercising. Doing cardio exercises helps to increase the strength of your heart, which significantly reduces risk for heart disease. Exercise also helps to get your blood moving throughout your body. This is especially important because your blood is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients around your body. Overall, it facilitates the necessary processes of your body and it improves your overall health and quality of life.
Reduce Anxiety
According to Renewed Hope Ranch, social anxiety is especially common among teenage girls. It can also be very difficult to deal with especially if it is accompanied by anxiety attacks. Exercise can be very helpful for reducing anxiety by regulating certain body functions. When you exercise, you increase your heart rate. Over time, your body begins to work more efficiently as it grows accustomed to the work. This in turn leads to your resting heart rate lowering, which can have a calming effect. Likewise, you improve your lung and heart function during cardio exercise. Regularly working these organs can help you have more control and lead to a sense of wellbeing. While 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended, you can break that up into 10-minute increments throughout the day to make it more manageable.
Improved Sleep
According to Insider, exercise can lead to improved sleep. When you exercise, you tire your body out which leads to a night of deeper sleep. Your sleep cycle is also heavily influenced by exercise. For example, if you exercise outside, your body is exposed to more light which stimulates your body as well as chemicals in your brain. Then, when it’s darker in the evening, you’ll feel more tired and fall asleep easier. However, you should be mindful of when you exercise. The morning and the afternoon are the best times as it allows your body to adjust throughout the day. Exercising too late can keep your body too stimulated to sleep.
In your teen years, it’s easy to get caught up with a busy schedule and several responsibilities. However, you should always make exercise a priority. It can help you improve your health and wellbeing and it has significant long-term effects.
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