More physical activity spells less stress
Everyone in your family has the same number of hours a day. But not everyone is equally stressed. Why is that so? You might argue that your kids do not have two mortgages to pay off, three mouths to feed, a job to keep and a dog to walk, but the fact is, they also have their fair share of stress cut to their own measure, with the school, growing and learning to be human. One thing that makes them more adapted to cope with the daily stress is the amount of time they spend doing physical activity. Even if they clock in a decent amount of time at their computers and on their phones, they still get some motion biking to and from school, attending sports clubs or physical education lessons.
There are many scientific studies that show that physical activity has a very effective antidepressant effect, to the point that it can be considered a real antidepressant drug. This action is most evident in “neurotic” depressions from which none of us are completely free. For psychotic depressions, things change, as they are very serious diseases for which the work of the specialist is required, according to the research called “The Effects of Stress on Physical Activity and Exercise” carried out by the scientists of Department of Psychiatry at Yale Stress Center, Yale University School of Medicine.
Physical activity strengthens self-esteem, relaxes and cancels the effects of stress: it is the best antidote for psychosomatic diseases. All this is true, however, when training is not directed towards the opponent or victory, but towards oneself, towards one’s body, therefore practiced for one’s own well-being. In this way, possible psychopathological effects are avoided, such as the pre-agonistic syndrome and the post-agonistic syndrome, in addition to the various forms of stardom. So, psychologists say, mass sports yes, as long as the goal of this sport is fitness, not overcoming the opponent, since competitive spirit pushed to the extreme can do a lot of harm to the psyche. Nonetheless the competitive spirit, when the athlete aims to overcome himself, is also good for the mind, because it becomes an extra motivation to live at the fullest, setting competitive limits means getting out of this existential laziness and living life intensely and in good health.
Postpartum depression alleviated at the gym
Physical activity helps mothers produce endorphins, which are also good for the baby. There is no contraindication in practicing your favorite sport, but it is still necessary to have the following precautions:
- drink at least two liters of water a day;
- always breastfeed the baby before training;
- wear a suitable sports bra.
Therefore, playing sports produces endorphins, which have beneficial effects for the mother and the baby. It is also important to maintain a correct diet and optimal lifestyles. The expert has formulated other indications necessary to obtain benefits from the sport that is practiced after childbirth.
Sportive new mothers can therefore continue their activities, but they must listen to their body: therefore, swimming lovers accustomed to doing 100 laps will be able, for example, to reduce the number, but they will not have to give up their sport. If the mother plays sport at a competitive level, she will certainly have to undergo an accurate clinical evaluation.
Health effects of sports for the youngest family members
Children and teenagers benefit from exercise or sports in a major way, the list of benefits is very long indeed. To name a few, increased well-being, strengthened self-confidence, better concentration, increased learning ability, muscle mass increase, better condition and less exposure to stress and traumas. All in all, sports and working out is good for the brain and heart as well as for fun and entertaining.
Today, more and more children are starting to play sports, even though less time is spent outdoors with the advance of the digital era. It gives increased involvement in sports clubs and perhaps, new followers. But we see at the same time the issue in a larger perspective. It’s about what habits we create for today’s children – that is, tomorrow’s adults. Early positive experiences of exercise and sports are of great importance for the individual’s tendency to be physically active later in life. Therefore, children’s and adolescents’ exercise habits affect not only their current state of health but also their future health.
Aging healthily with sports
The speed of aging progress essentially depends on three factors: the genetic component, lifestyle and psychological factors. As we age, we see a reduction in the functionality of many systems, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. A decline in physical capacity and, in particular, in bone density and muscle tissue, is therefore inevitable.
Regular physical activity with light strength training can partially resolve or significantly delay the loss of muscle mass and strength, even if it began in old age. On the contrary, a sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity can contribute, together with other risk factors, to the development of various degenerative diseases such as, for example, osteoporosis.
The complete mobilization of all the joints and the strengthening of the muscles through regular physical activity activates numerous biological mechanisms that interact with organs and systems. Specifically, the benefits of constant physical exercise on the health of the elderly incorporate psychological well-being (lower risk of depression and anxiety) and higher cognitive performance (more memory and attention span).
No matter the age of your family members, everyone will benefit from a little bit of exercise. Even as little as 30 minutes every day of functional or dedicated movement will set you in a better mood and make you face the day with way more energy. A sound mind in a sound body!
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894304/