Why Is Exercise Good for the Brain?
Our brains need to be stimulated to stay healthy and maintain a balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, and more. The funny thing is that exercise can help us get there fast. You may have heard that cardiovascular exercise produces endorphins, as well as the famous “runner’s high.” Sometimes we look at exercise as something we must do to “lose weight” or stay “healthy,” but it is indeed a crucial part of the treatment for any number of mental health issues.
The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry states that aerobic exercise such as: cardio, swimming, dancing, walking, and running can relieve anxiety and depression. By increasing the blood circulation to the brain, the body’s physiological reactivity to stress is reduced.
Do I Need to Exercise for A Whole Hour?
If you are on the run, the good news is that you don’t have to perform your daily physical activity in one go. Moderate exercise throughout the day, like stretching, taking walking breaks, cleaning the house, or lifting boxes also counts! In fact, exercise that is divided throughout the day is easier to follow for most people. You can even squeeze 10–20-minute workouts at home twice a day instead of hour-long training sessions at the gym. Exercise will help your cognitive function, self-esteem, and even with social withdrawal.
Mental and Physical Benefits of Exercise
Improves mood
Increases energy and stamina
Builds endurance
Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
Improves the mind-body-breath connection
Improves cardiovascular health
Chiropractic Treatment for Mental Health
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of the link between mental health and exercise, let’s see how chiropractic care takes this healthy practice to a whole new level.
Chiropractic treatment improves your spinal health, which helps your body heal itself from the inside out. Studies have shown that after getting a chiropractic adjustment, the body releases more hormones like oxytocin and neurotensin, which can help relieve pain and improve social bonding.
Additionally, you can enjoy all the same benefits when you exercise as when you get a chiropractic adjustment, especially an improvement in your: mind-body connection, sleep, lower blood pressure, relieving tension and pain, and promoting relaxation. The measure of electrical activity in the body after a chiropractic adjustment is reduced by 25%, which is a significant increase in relaxation.
One of the best features of chiropractic treatment is that it does not rely on drugs or substances. It is an all-natural solution with no side effects. This is crucial for mental health, as many medications come with several adverse reactions.
The Golden Ratio
The best thing to do is, like always, a combination of healthy habits. By complementing your exercise practice with regular chiropractic treatment, you will begin to see positive changes in your physical and mental health. You may begin to feel more optimistic, happier, and even your self-talk may improve. Because you are getting to know your body and mind, and the connection between the two, you are more likely to respond effectively when you body calls out for help. You’ll know when you need an adjustment, a yoga session, or simply a deep breath.
Relax, smile, and see Dr. Kordonowy for an awesome adjustment! Dr. K has over 30 years of experience in helping patients feel better every day, and he can design a health program for your specific needs.
Give us a call at (828) 277-0903 or make an appointment at www.kordonowy.com/appointment.