Written by: TVMB Team
Artwork by: Amy Cha
It’s hard to find bad things to say about exercise. Estimates may vary and it may differ from person to person, but moderate exercise adds to your quantity of life—about seven hours longer life for every exercise hour—and the quality of your life, with more energy, better mood, and stronger relationships.
As students, we spend most of our time sitting in front of a computer, staring down at our papers, and listening to lectures in a stationary classroom. We often prioritize our academics or pursue personal hobbies like gaming, watching Netflix, or hanging out with friends when we have leisure time, undermining the importance of physical activity and its benefits or consequences on our mental health.
We all know that physical activity improves your health. But specifically how so? Well, exercise helps fight heart disease by strengthening our heart, increasing blood flow, keeping blood vessels open, and lowering blood pressure—and the blood pressure’s reaction to stress. Exercise cleans up our arteries, preventing heart failures and diseases.
Moreover, the benefits of physical activity are not limited to the actual physical body. Exercise also predicts better cognitive functioning and reduced risk of neurocognitive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Participants with a higher physical activity level tended to have higher life satisfaction and happiness in young, middle-aged, and older adults. In addition, life satisfaction and happiness increased with increasing age, proving the positive correlation physical health has with happiness.
The sense of accomplishment and improved physique and body image that often accompany a successful exercise routine will enhance your self-image, leading to a better emotional state. Think about it. if you gain some muscles or sleep more soundly, there’s a higher chance you would feel more happier and motivated.
“But how?” you may ask. The hardest step to consistent exercise is motivation. No matter what, you have to try your best to consistently work out or pursue that physical activity of your choice. An easier way to approach exercise is to engage with friends or family, even a personal trainer. If you’re a student, try out for the sports team or clubs. If you work, then sign-up for a group exercise or personal training session during lunch or after work. Committing is hard, but once you stick to your plan, put your mind into it, and continue exercising, you will transform yourself into a person with not only a healthy body but a healthy mindset.
Grit and commitment are what will make you shine more.
Sources:
An, Hsin-Yu, et al. “The Relationships between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction and Happiness among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 13, 2020, p. 4817., doi:10.3390/ijerph17134817.
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