Mind4Youth

Authors: Emerson Garon

Poor emotional health often changes an individual’s lifestyle, feelings, behavior, and physical health. The National Institute of Health reported that without regular bodily activity, adolescents and adults can experience vague aches and pains, fatigue, and other physical health problems. However, many clinicians are looking for ways to integrate an exercise regime in their practices for patients who are experiencing physical declines. 

The Science of Exercise

When your body is put under any kind of stress created by physical activity (moderate cardio, weight training, dancing; anything that gets your blood and heart pumping quickly),  your brain releases endorphins, one of the four primary ‘feel-good’ hormones. As the endorphins release into your body, they can boost your overall mood and reduce stress and pain. From HelpGuide.org, it has been reported that exercise can also make an individual feel more energetic throughout the day, promote better sleep patterns, and improve cognitive function.

Observations on Exercise

Exercising doesn’t have to feel like a chore, involving intense gym sessions and rigorous workout routines—unless that is something you prefer. Exercising can be as simple as running for five minutes, swimming a few laps around the pool, or stretching in bed. The key is to find what works best for you.

However, it has been observed that yoga has gained significant popularity as the most beneficial form of exercise. In an ongoing survey called Project EAT-IV (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults),  we assessed 300 teens who were actively participating in yoga classes, observing their health, weight-related behaviors, and perception of themselves. Here are some of the results from the participants when asked what their primary reasons were for practicing yoga:

• Stress reduction and relaxation were cited by 89.6% of the participants.
• Enhanced physical fitness was reported by 88.2% of the respondents.
• Health benefits were recognized by 74.4% of the individuals.
• Greater self-awareness was acknowledged by 52.9% of the participants.
• And the encouragement of self-love was identified as a motivator by 62.0% of the respondents.

It’s worth noting that the survey also revealed additional motivations among the participants:

• Mental motivation: 89.6%
• Physical motivation: 88.2%
• Spiritual motivation: 27.9%

These findings highlight the diverse benefits of yoga and its relatability among teenagers. Whether it’s for stress relief, physical fitness, mental well-being, or personal growth, yoga provides a different approach to exercise that not only resonates with young adults seeking balance and self-discovery but also provides a routine that can be easily adjusted to their needs.

Finding what works best for you

By understanding the impact of exercise on our emotional and physical well-being, young adults can begin to take steps towards improving their overall health. Whether it’s finding joy in a yoga class, engaging in other physical activities, or exploring different forms of exercise, prioritizing regular physical activity can lead to positive changes in our lives. Embracing an active lifestyle can empower individuals to enhance their emotional well-being, improve their physical health, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness and self-love.

If you’re not sure where to start, search ‘simple exercises for beginners’ or ‘exercises for beginner teens.’ Self.com also has an excellent article for those who require in-depth guidance for their exercise journey.