Arts & Culture

Healthy Body and Mind

It’s been said, “Good things come to those who sweat.” Exercise is not just for athletes. Anyone can exercise, it just takes a little effort and intention. There are so many benefits to exercise. Self-confidence, strength for everyday life, and getting rid of stress to name a few. While some may love to go hiking or biking, others may just want to swim some laps. Exercise can be anything from going to the gym for an intense workout to walking around the block. Exercise can be kickboxing, dancing, skiing, or jumping on the trampoline. One definition of exercise is “to engage the effort and attention of” your body. Anything that gets you moving is exercise.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain, improve mood, and improve the immune system. With exercise, the brain releases endorphins which are the body’s natural pain reliever. Those achy joints from sitting too long during class will most likely disappear after twenty minutes of cardio exercise. Cardio just means getting the heart rate up to pumping higher than normal. Turn on some good music and dance. Run around the yard. Go for a walk or a hike. Chase your little sister or play with the dog. In other words, take a break and get moving. It’ll be good for the body and for the brain.

Exercise also immediately increases dopamine in the brain which improves mood. According to WebMD, “Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter. Your body makes it, and your nervous system uses it. That’s why it’s sometimes called a chemical messenger.” Dopamine sends messages about pleasure through our bodies. It helps us focus and plan and find things interesting.

Looking ahead to cold and flu season, exercise not only helps with mood and stress, it also improves the immune system. It makes recovery faster and reduces health risks. Exercise affects the body’s white blood cells in a positive way, helping them to fight infections. Lack of activity can impair the body’s ability to recover quickly from sickness and can increase one’s health risks, especially concerning the heart.

Regular exercise strengthens your bones and muscles. Young men and women who exercise on a regular basis have a higher peak bone density. Your body gains the majority of its bone density within the first twenty years of life. The skeleton is mostly done growing by age eighteen. Peak bone density is important because when it peaks, it will only decline after that. Regular exercise can strengthen your bones to prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become thin and brittle. You also need to strengthen your muscles. Lifting weights and bodyweight training actually helps to support and protect your joints.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 6:5 to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This verse points to the connection between mind, body, and soul. It would only make sense to strengthen both body and mind in order to be the best version of ourselves. Strengthening your body in turn strengthens and protects your mind, both for now and in the future.

Fitness Challenge: Get moving for twenty minutes a day!

Works cited:

  • Cafasso, Jaqueline. “Why Do We Need Endorphins?” Healthline, July 11, 2017, https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins Accessed on August 16, 2021.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Benefits of Physical Activity” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm Accessed on August 10, 2021.
  • Cristol, Hope. “What is Dopamine.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-dopamine. Accessed 26 August 2021.
  • Laura. “Why Exercise Gives You More Energy” Heavenly Homemakers May 30, 2012 https://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/why-exercise-gives-you-more-energy Accessed on August 10, 2021.
  • Livingston, Mercey. “Exercising can protect you from getting sick — here’s what how much you need” cnet May 14, 2020 https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/daily-exercise-helps-protect-you-against-illnesses-and-you-dont-need-a-lot/ Accessed on August 10, 2021.
  • Mandal, Ananya. “Dopamine Functions.” Medical Net, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dopamine-Functions.aspx#:~:text=Levels%20of%20dopamine%20in%20the%20brain%2C%20especially%20the,memory%20suffers.%20Dopamine%20helps%20in%20focus%20and%20 attention. Accessed 18 August 2021.
  • MedlinePlus. “Exercise and Immunity” MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007165.htm Accessed on August 10, 2021.
  • Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center. “Peak Bone Mass.” Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center,https://www.panoramaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Peak-Bone-Mass.pdf#:~:text=Peak%20bone%20mass%20is%20an%20important%20determinant%20of,a%20 significant%20role%20in%20bone%20health%20throughout%20life. Accessed 18 August 2021.
  • Rodriguez, Diana. “Why Exercise Boosts Mood and Energy” Everyday Health, May 1, 2019 https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/workouts/boost-your-energy-level-with-exercise.aspx Accessed on August 10, 2021.
  • Uy, Kariz. “What is the Relationship Between Neurotransmitters and Mood?” WiseGeek, https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-the-relationship-between-neurotransmitters-and-mood.htm. Accessed 25 August 2021.
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary. “Definition of Exercise” Merriam-Webster Dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exercise Accessed on August 26, 2021.
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