SALT LAKE CITY — Exercise is not only great for your body, but it’s also an effective way to improve your mental health. Regular exercise can have a significant impact on anxiety, stress and depression. Further, not only will your overall mood be good, but you’ll also sleep a lot better.

No matter how old you are, exercise can have a positive impact on your life. Plus, you don’t have to go to the gym religiously to feel the effects of regular exercise.

A modest amount of regular exercise can be used as a tool to get fit while feeling great. You can even come up with a fitness regime for the whole family.

People get motivated to exercise regularly because they feel more energetic throughout the day and have sharper memories. So once you get into the groove, you will love keeping to a regular workout schedule.

So what exercises should you incorporate into your routine to improve your mental health?

1. Play outside

You might have noticed while playing with the kids outside or doing gardening makes you feel good. That’s because a healthy dose of sunlight stimulates your serotonin levels, which plays a major role in improving mental health.

Add some movement to that and you will feel even better. It doesn’t have to be standard exercises that you do at the gym, you can even just play outside with the kids and get a good workout.

2. Bounce around

If you have a trampoline in the yard, take advantage of it and bounce around with the kids. If you bounce for a little bit, you can get some endorphins flowing and get some oxygen into the brain.

3. Go for a walk

Walking is another simple exercise that can make you feel good. You may not have realized it, but walking is an aerobic exercise that won’t cost you a penny.

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With the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of us struggle with fatigue and exhaustion throughout the day. Tiredness can get in the way of experiencing life to its fullest. So, what can we do to improve our odds of having energy for our day?

You can start out with small distances and then increase it as you start to get fitter.

4. Start running

Cardiovascular exercises are a good way to fight depression without medication. So if you’re ready to take it to the next level, running is a good workout that hits all the right buttons. But first, check with your doctor to see if running is a good option for you.

If you can run for 20-30 minutes most days of the week, it’ll have a significant impact on your emotional well-being.

The euphoria that’s sometimes associated with this form of exertion is caused by the release of endorphins in the brain as a response to continuous physical activity.

5. Lift weights

Strength training can also enhance your mental health because it’s all about the control that requires your complete attention.

On the plus side, you can also see the physical benefits of lifting weights, so that’s going to add to your good mood.

If you have never done it before, it’s a good idea to access some professional help and start slow.

6. Take up Tai Chi or yoga

Tai Chi and yoga involve slow movements and mindfulness, which can improve your flexibility and your mood.

However, don’t try it on your own because there’s a good chance of getting hurt if you don’t do the poses properly. Join a class in your neighborhood and start practicing these eastern traditions with like-minded people.

At the end of the day, some movement is better than nothing at all. So try one or all of these exercises and witness the wonders it can do to your wellbeing.

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