It is widely known that exercise is not just limited to improving your health both physically and mentally. But, what would your reaction be if it were proven that exercise is more beneficial to you economically than your mental health?
HERE’S HOW
Research was carried out on 1.2 million Americans by two institutions. The research focused on the mental mood and physical behavior of the participants. They were required to choose from different types of physical activities: jogging, running, cycling, and weight lifting. Participants were also required to answer various questions with respect to their physical activity, income, and if they felt mentally unwell within a given period of time.
MORE ACTIVE PEOPLE ARE HAPPIER
As recorded, the happier people of the sample were found out to be those who exercised more regularly. It was found out that they tended to feel bad for about 35 days a year. Those who exercised less often were found out to feel bad on an additional 18 days on average. It was discovered that those who engage in physical activities felt just as good when compared to those who earned more.
In essence, for you to match the same effect sport has on your happiness using money — you will have to earn a lot more.
It is important to note that the more sport you engage in does not necessarily increase your happiness. Learn more about this on 120kgs.
MENTAL HEALTH CAN BE DEPLETED WHEN YOU OVER EXERCISE
Exercise, though good for you can be too much. There are the limits to exercise.
For physical activity to contribute to the mental health of an individual, it has to fall within a time frame. Whenever a physical activity exceeds this time frame, it does little or nothing more to contribute to your mental health.
As observed, the most ideal exercise time for a three to five training session is between 30 to 60 minutes per week. Anything more than this can have a negative effect. It was discovered that the mental health of those who exercised more than three hours a day suffered more. This is shown when compared to those who were not actively involved in an exercise.
Some sports are influenced by socializing and can thus have a positive effect on the mental health of an individual.
Sports associated with socializing can play a vital role in positively improving your mental health. Team sports such as football or basketball are examples of sports that can boost mental health. Sports with little or no avenue for socializing are considered to have less impact on improving your mental health.
Over time aerobics, fitness, and cycling have not been technically considered team sports. However, they are considered to contribute their quota positively to improving the mental health of an individual.
Finally, as the popular saying goes, health is wealth and improving both your physical and mental health is important to leading a healthy and happy life.