[00:00.00]Exercise
[00:06.77]A state of physical and mental health allows you to take part in exercise comfortably and enjoyably
[00:17.82]so that it doesn’t hurt,
[00:20.44]so that you can look forward to it, and feel good afterwards.
[00:22.85]If you are feeling down, exercise may help pick you up.
[00:25.36]Although researchers disagree on this issue,
[00:28.65]one review of past studies found that long-term exercise,
[00:32.36]especially when it includes long-lasting, strenuous training sessions,
[00:36.74]has about as much of an effect on depression as psychotherapy.
[00:40.35]Working out helps you deal with stress in your job, relationships or any area of life —
[00:46.80]possibly because exercise is a form of stress itself and helps condition your body to deal with it.
[00:53.25]When Australian researchers compared people who did 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week
[01:00.15]to those who practiced progressive relaxation techniques,
[01:03.42]they found that the former group responded better to acute stress and had lower blood pressure.
[01:08.45]Even a little exercise can make you think less anxiously.
[01:12.72]Studies have shown that any amount of exercise,
[01:15.67]from a brisk 10?minute walk to an intense aerobics or weightlifting session seems to decrease feelings of anxiety.
[01:22.67]Working out regularly may make you smarter now and lessen the possibility that you’ll lose brain function as you age.
[01:30.22]According to a recent animal study at the University of Illinois, exercise can actually help the brain develop new cells.
[01:37.75]In several studies, regular weight training or aerobic exercise was shown to improve the quality and duration of sleep.
[01:45.71]Naturally, this can make you less fatigued and be able to function better during the day.
[01:51.20]Like meditation, hobbies or any other leisure activity,
[01:56.78]exercise gives your mind a needed break from everyday thoughts, responsibilities and commitments.
[02:02.48]Finally, there’s one more reason to keep exercising.
[02:06.07]When you work out regularly, your body simply functions better —
[02:10.00]you are better, healthier and less likely to suffer painful physical conditions.
[02:14.83]And that just plain feels good.
