The effect of exercise in alleviating anxiety and depression is due to the variables that are associated with mental health. Exercise creates positive mood. As the body is toned and relaxed, it radiates to good feelings. Exercise enhances self-esteem. The feeling of being relaxed and physically toned improves the self-concept. Exercise can result to gaining restful sleep. When the body is rightfully tired and fatigued, it will clamor rest and sleep. And sleep restores and recuperates one’s body. (Landers, 1997)
The decision to take up an exercise is the beginning of the transformation of one’s mental well being. A level of commitment is established and a desire to become better establishes the symbol and the meaning of the decision to exercise. This will lead to a sense of self mastery. This will either establish a special relationship with the kind of exercise to be undertaken or the sport to be undertaken. All of these bring about confidence. It results to a feeling of accomplishment. Confidence serves as an inspiration in taking challenges and aiming for results.
Confidence boosts one’s belief in appearance and self worth. Exercise distracts a person from all the negative thoughts like insecurities and inabilities. It expels emotions that are negative. As the body is toned, harnessed and reasonably tired, the mind will dwell on things that are pleasant and positive. It is because the mind becomes calm and relaxed. Because of the confidence and positive thoughts brought about by exercise, the ability to likewise positively interact with other people becomes a natural effect.
Love begets love, peace begets peace and positive begets positive. Especially when exercise is undertaken in a group or in a club or in a gym, the camaraderie established among the exercise participants radiates everything that is pleasant and pleasurable. A toned body that leads to positive thoughts makes a person more capable in handling all kinds of problem. Wisdom sets in and discretion is undertaken. The better part of valor, so to speak, becomes the attitude adopted in a well toned body and psychologically enhanced wellbeing.