6 Ways Strength Training Improves Mental Health

There has never been a better time to pay attention to mental health. People are going through multiple situations that may be taking a toll on their mental well-being. Some develop coping habits that eventually create more problems by damaging their health, while others strive to live healthier and focus on getting better. Whichever group you fall into, don't you worry, we have put this article together just for you.

Strength training does amazing things to our bodies and mental health, Although the focus is always on the physical aspects. Physical and mental health goes hand in hand, hence the famous saying "a healthy body is a healthy mind."

“There’s something incredibly empowering about noticing that gradual increase in physical strength and it can help with mental and emotional strength and resilience, too – it’s something people can do for themselves and, as they notice the changes in this area, it can make life easier.” Says the author of 365 Days To Feel Better, Eve Menesez Cunningham.

Strength training does more than improving physical activity.

"The body can become a permanent anchor, reminding you of what you can accomplish when you set your mind to anything, as well as carrying those metaphorical emotional weights with greater ease," Eve explains.

Strength training is not a substitute for seeking professional help, but it can improve mental health. For those looking for a way to improve their mental health, here are six ways that strength training can help your mental health.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. The World Health Organisation says that more than 300 million people across the world live with this condition. Depression comes with reduced energy, poor sleeping habits, low appetite, low moods, and a lack of interest in things that can make one happy. Lifting weights can help to reduce these symptoms. People with depression, especially those with mild-to-moderate depression, can benefit from strength training.

There are different reasons why we get anxious. If you experience constant worry, restlessness, and muscle tension, you may have an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, strength training has shown a lot of promise here. Most people who experience varying degrees of anxiety symptoms will benefit from strength training. Low to moderate intensity strength training has proven to be helpful in studies relating to mental health.

Having robust self-esteem is one of the main components of good mental health. Self-esteem is the value that we see in ourselves, and the more of that we have, the happier and fulfilled we become. If self-doubt is something you struggle with, strength training will help you rediscover that belief in yourself. Lifting weights and other forms of strength training can make you feel better by improving your body image and self-esteem. Strength training will make you feel empowered again.

If you can't explain why you feel uninterested in many things, you may be experiencing low energy. Sometimes, not getting enough sleep might be responsible. The drive to get up go about daily activities makes us look forward to the next day. Although strength training may make you feel tired, you will enjoy better quality sleep. Strength training helps certain body functions by regulating glucose metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and many more. These functions contribute to reducing stress and improving increasing your energy.

Lack of socialisation is one of the symptoms of poor mental health. Whether you go to the gym or go out with friends, socialisation improves mental health. Strength training can bring you closer to people who can relate to what you are going through. Also, you will gain access to pro lifters and trainers who will help you find the best training and walk you through.

Studies have found that consistent strength training protects the areas of the brain that controls memory and learning. Lifting weights can help you focus better on other activities and reduce your risk of dementia later in life.