Encouraging Physical Activity for Mental well-being

Physical activity is the collection of bodily movements which uses skeletal muscles to increase energy expenditure. Physical activities can enhance the mental wellbeing by various means and it has a long history from the ancient times. Yoga is such a physical activity developed in Indus civilization for the development of mental wellbeing by people. (Curcic,2017) So, it is clear that there is a deep and direct connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing. 

There are various types of physical activities which enhance the mental wellbeing of people. Physical endurance and exercise help to reduce the physical illnesses which cause great impact on mentality of people with the feeling of physically fit. It greatly affects people to have a good mental condition though they are well satisfied with their overall fitness. Apart from this, people are much delighted to be more self-esteemed and confidence towards their own functionality with the physical activity encouragement. They have satisfaction, quality of life and good moods when compared to lower physically active person. (Biddle,2016)

So it is recommended to have daily exercises even with the busy and tough schedules though it enhance the mood and relaxation which helps people to live a balanced, quality life. Research studies showed that, when people engage with more physical activities, they produce opioids and endocannabinoids which are two important neurochemicals which engage in the pleasurable activities of people. Further, it helps to less laziness and pain sensitivity. (Godse,2015) Together with that, physical activity can enhance the focus, concentration and mind relaxation up to two hours. (Hallam et al.,2018)

Yoga is a well distributed physical therapy which involve deep breathing and relaxation techniques with a more concentrated mindset. It can decrease numerous mental illnesses. So, encouraging to do yoga can enhance the mental wellbeing easily. (Telles et al.,2018) Encouraging yoga and meditation is a safe and easy method for the enhancement of mental wellbeing.

  (Yoga With Adriene, 2019)

Even though many people love to sleep while they are in good mood, it is not good for mental health as it can reduce the functioning of neurons and other essentials parts of the brain properly during our sleep if it is too much than needed hours. Physical activity can actively engage in this matter though it can reduce the sleepiness due to the stimulation of production of hormones like cortisol. So, encouraging physical activity have numerous advantages over the mental wellbeing.

Physical activity is not only essential for personal health, but it's also a critical component of a productive and positive workplace. Unfortunately, in today's work culture, being sedentary has become the norm, especially in office environments. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. But here's the good news - even small amounts of regular movement can significantly improve our physical health and counteract these risks. 

However, the benefits don't stop there. Physical activity has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing as well. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function, leading to better problem-solving abilities and increased creativity - all of which are valuable skills in any workplace.

 

In addition to the individual benefits, promoting physical activity in the workplace can foster a sense of camaraderie among employees. Group activities such as team sports or group workouts can build team spirit and improve interpersonal relationships. This can lead to a more harmonious work environment, which in turn can boost productivity and employee satisfaction. 

Reference list

1. Biddle, S. (2016). Physical activity and mental health: evidence is growing. World Psychiatry, [online] 15(2), pp.176–177. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20331.
2. Curcic, D., Stojmenovic, T., Djukic-Dejanovic, S., Dikic, N., Vesic-Vukasinovic, M., Radivojevic, N., Andjelkovic, M., Borovcanin, M. and Djokic, G. (2017). POSITIVE IMPACT OF PRESCRIBED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL. Psychiatria Danubina, 29(4), pp.459–465. doi:https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2017.459.
3. Duraiswamy, G., Thirthalli, J., Nagendra, H.R. and Gangadhar, B.N. (2007). Yoga therapy as an add-on treatment in the management of patients with schizophrenia ? a randomized controlled trial. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 116(3), pp.226–232. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.01032.x.
4. Godse, A., Godse, A. and Shejwal, B. (2015). Effects of suryanamaskar on relaxation among college students with high stress in Pune, India. International Journal of Yoga, 8(1), p.15. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.146049.
5. Telles, S., Gupta, R.K., Bhardwaj, A.K., Singh, N., Mishra, P., Pal, D.K. and Balkrishna, A. (2018). Increased Mental Well-Being and Reduced State Anxiety in Teachers After Participation in a Residential Yoga Program. Medical Science Monitor Basic Research, 24(24), pp.105–112. doi:https://doi.org/10.12659/msmbr.909200.
6. Yoga With Adriene (2019). Office Break Yoga | 14 Min. Yoga Practice | Yoga With Adriene. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-8FvC3GD8c [Accessed 11 Apr. 2024].