“Psychological problems end up causing increased production of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which keep us awake and trigger systemic inflammation. This will eventually turn into long-term illness, such as hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Short-term complaints caused by this condition include neck pains, muscular pains, and mood swings – all of which destroy a person’s concentration and their ability to both work and to relate with others,” dr. Michael said.
Exercising with proper frequency and intensity is effective in lowering stress, because it suppresses the work of both cortisol and adrenaline. Furthermore, exercising stimulates the production of endorphin, a natural painkiller hormone that inspires a person who is used to regular exercise to continue.
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Exercise to mitigate mental problems need not be strenuous. “Gentle exercises such as yoga, tai chi, meditation with regularized breathing, are able to regulate heartbeat patterns and lower blood pressure quickly. The physical exhaustion which ensues helps defeat insomnia,” dr. Michael said. “Other benefits of regular exercise include increased confidence and better moods. As the ancients have known for ages, physical and mental health are closely related. Mens sana in corpore sano, ‘a sound mind rests in a healthy body’, is as true a statement as man ever made.” (est)