Positive Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash.

My fitness journey began about a year ago some time in the middle of 2023. Every year during summers, we have swim coaches come to our society to teach swimming to kids. I felt like this is high time to introduce swimming to my daughter, nearly 6 years of age. So I enrolled her. Being a protective father, I felt comfort in also being in the pool, at a distance, while she’s learning, to provide moral support and also closely monitor her progress.

My wife urged me to check with the coaches if they could offer some coaching even for adults. Although, at first, I hesitated owing to my age, eventually I asked them and to my surprise they were happy to.

So there began my journey of learning to swim. It wasn’t easy, but I take strong pride in my ability to learn new things. I also had the added motivation to show my daughter that if I can, so can she.

As I became better and more comfortable with swimming, I began noticing the positive impacts it had on my physical health. But at the same time I also noticed that for me swimming was profoundly therapeutic. Having to focus on my technique with each stroke meant that my mind would be freed from other worries hence reducing stress & anxiety. It helps me to reconcile my thoughts and emotions and can be immensely relaxing. It provided a soothing, peaceful environment that encourages mindfulness, enabling me to focus on the present moment and let go of worries. It’s well known that exercise also aids in the release of endorphins which enhance mood and overall sense of well-being.

I strongly feel that this is also a form of meditation. Recently, due to weather conditions, I took to cycling as an alternative and I find the exact same effect.

Hence, I strongly advice everyone to start their day with one such activity. It could be any activity such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, yoga or even just pure meditation, although a physical activity has the added benefit to help you improve your physical fitness. And I promise, if you practice it regularly, you will gradually observe the immense positive effects it can have on your Mental Health.