{"id":581,"date":"2024-12-10T08:29:54","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T08:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/?p=581"},"modified":"2025-06-26T19:52:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:52:07","slug":"how-physical-activity-can-improve-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/how-physical-activity-can-improve-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Physical Activity Can Improve Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"581\" class=\"elementor elementor-581\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bda858d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bda858d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8391b51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8391b51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we think about physical activity, we often focus on the benefits of better endurance, stronger muscles, or shedding a few pounds. But did you know that breaking a sweat can do wonders for your mind, too? The connection between physical and mental health is stronger than many realize. In this blog, we&#8217;ll discuss how physical activity can improve mental health and offer some insights into the benefits of moving your body. So, let&#8217;s learn!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3141017 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3141017\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ac216d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5ac216d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae2779e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ae2779e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5136427 image-resize elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5136427\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"image_max_new\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/how-physical-activity-can-improve-mental-health.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1077\" alt=\"Addiction Treatment Center in Johnson City, Tennessee\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/how-physical-activity-can-improve-mental-health.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/how-physical-activity-can-improve-mental-health-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84b7eee e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"84b7eee\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e16b29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7e16b29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Mind-Body Connection<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e50bc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0e50bc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our minds and bodies are tightly linked. What happens to one can affect the other. When discussing physical activity, we&#8217;re not just referring to going to the gym or running a marathon. It can be any movement that gets your body moving\u2014swimming, jogging, or even walking your dog around the neighborhood. These activities don&#8217;t just work your muscles; they also boost your brain.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how does physical activity improve your mental health? It&#8217;s all about the endorphins. Physical exercise releases these &#8220;feel-good&#8221; chemicals in your brain, acting as natural mood enhancers and painkillers. Over time, these chemicals help combat mental health problems like depression and anxiety. That&#8217;s a mental health boost you can feel after just a few minutes of breaking a sweat. Let&#8217;s now talk a bit about the mental health benefits of exercise.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cde1ff8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"cde1ff8\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f87c980 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f87c980\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mental Health Benefits of Regular Exercise\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e64552d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e64552d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular physical activity offers mental health benefits that can change your life. Here are just a few of the ways exercise can improve your mental health:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83ae73e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"83ae73e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-150b8d4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"150b8d4\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0078d32 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0078d32\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc171a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dc171a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Regular Exercise Acts as a Natural Stress Reliever\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2b1ad3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b2b1ad3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re facing mental health challenges or going through a rough patch, a little bit of movement can go a long way. Exercise or sports help you release tension, get rid of pent-up energy, and ultimately relax your mind.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f6132a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6f6132a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Improves Cognitive Function\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-814ee4e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"814ee4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any type of physical activity helps your brain stay sharp, whether it&#8217;s jogging, doing a brisk walk, or playing your favorite sports. It improves cognitive function, improving your memory, focus, and even your problem-solving skills. Engaging in regular exercise can also delay cognitive decline and keep you mentally fit into old age.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e55ac0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5e55ac0\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b0f3c9 image-resize-11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5b0f3c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"image_max_new\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/physical-activity-and-mind-body-connection.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1105\" alt=\"Top Rated Mental Health Services\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/physical-activity-and-mind-body-connection.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/physical-activity-and-mind-body-connection-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f5b296 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5f5b296\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed9e847 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ed9e847\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div 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805-208-2919<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7458aa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d7458aa\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f2df05 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4f2df05\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79225bc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"79225bc\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c26d0a image-resize-11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7c26d0a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"image_max_new\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/mental-health-benefits-of-regular-exercise.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1112\" alt=\"Role of Exercise in Managing Mental Health Disorders\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/mental-health-benefits-of-regular-exercise.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/mental-health-benefits-of-regular-exercise-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11bf63a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"11bf63a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7347abc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7347abc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Improves Cognitive Function\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-498a88f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"498a88f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accomplishing fitness goals, even small ones, gives you a sense of achievement, which motivates you, too. Whether you&#8217;re finishing a run, learning a new dance routine in an exercise class, or lifting heavier weights, every milestone boosts your self-esteem. Feeling good about your body can have a direct positive impact on your mental health.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1903b72 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1903b72\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Reduces Symptoms of Depression &amp; Anxiety\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e85658a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e85658a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have shown that those who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from depression. Being physically active helps your brain regulate emotions and manage stress, reducing the risk of developing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8240d21 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8240d21\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e243199 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e243199\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Physical &amp; Mental Health: A Win-Win Situation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-303cd2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"303cd2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The physical benefits of exercise, like increased strength, stamina, and flexibility, are well known. But it&#8217;s the combination of physical health and mental well-being that makes exercise a true game changer. Think of it as a two-for-one deal\u2014improving your physical fitness contributes to improving your mental fitness.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re feeling down, anxious, or stressed, it&#8217;s tempting to go into isolation and avoid the world. But becoming more physically active can break that cycle. Even if you&#8217;re only able to squeeze in a 20-minute walk around the block, the benefits of exercise are immediate. You&#8217;ll likely feel a boost in your mood and mental clarity right away.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd61ae2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fd61ae2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Role of Exercise in Managing Mental Health Disorders\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-261078a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"261078a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise isn&#8217;t just about preventing mental health problems like Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Anxiety Disorder \u2014it can also help you manage existing mental health disorders. For example, those with major depression often experience lethargy and fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it might seem counterintuitive, getting moving can actually fight that tired feeling and provide a much-needed energy boost. As time goes by, this routine of regular exercise helps improve overall mood and also regulate sleep patterns.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, those with anxiety can use exercise as a coping mechanism. Physical activity not only helps burn off anxious energy but also promotes a sense of control as well as calm. The repetitive movements involved in moderate exercise like cycling , swimming, running can serve as a form of meditation, helping your mind to relax.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3d8fa8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d3d8fa8\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-115a74b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"115a74b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4747b70 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4747b70\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-348730b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"348730b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Exercise: A Mental Health Professional's Secret Weapon<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d917bf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d917bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health professionals always recommend physical exercise to treat mental health problems. While talking to a mental health professional is super important, coupling therapy with regular physical activity can amplify the treatment effects. For those who are struggling with mental illness, exercise is an accessible tool to alleviate some symptoms.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors suggest that even moderate-intensity exercise like cycling or brisk walking can improve mental health without overwhelming your body. You don&#8217;t need to take part in an extreme sport or run a marathon. The health benefits of moderate but regular exercise are just as powerful.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bc956b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0bc956b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b60fd2 image-resize-11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5b60fd2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"image_max_new\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/regular-exercise-natural-stress-reliever.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1116\" alt=\"Best Mental Health Professional in Johnson City, Tennessee\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/regular-exercise-natural-stress-reliever.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/regular-exercise-natural-stress-reliever-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54d6850 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"54d6850\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6958dea elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6958dea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Making Exercise a Regular Part of Your Routine\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e47a87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5e47a87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&#8217;t need workout gear or a gym membership to reap the benefits of exercise. Here&#8217;s how to start moving your body to improve your mental health:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"list-style\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re new to exercise, start with short, manageable activities.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even light stretching in the morning or a short walk after dinner can get you into the habit.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether playing a sport or joining an exercise class, find something you genuinely enjoy.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always begin with goals that are achievable and gradually increase the intensity or duration of your workout.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to long-term mental and physical benefits is consistency. You don&#8217;t have to work out every single day\u2014just aim for regularity. Over time, the habit of moving will become second nature.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a35c2c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9a35c2c\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f42462 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8f42462\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf02b95 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bf02b95\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f2a703 image-resize-11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4f2a703\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"image_max_new\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/improves-cognitive-function-with-physical-activity.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1117\" alt=\"Boosts Self-esteem With Physical Activity\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/improves-cognitive-function-with-physical-activity.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/improves-cognitive-function-with-physical-activity-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-614f183 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"614f183\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25666ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"25666ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Getting Help from a Mental Health Professional<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d74dc56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d74dc56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While regular exercise is the best way to maintain your mental health,\u00a0 remember that exercise is just one part of the equation. If you&#8217;re facing ongoing mental health challenges, going to a mental health professional is highly essential and necessary. They can help you develop a plan to manage your mental health, combining therapy, physical activity, and other treatments as needed.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a8a520 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5a8a520\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a0a58a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2a0a58a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion: Moving Your Way to Better Mental Health\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3310128 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3310128\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding how physical activity can improve your mental health is the first step toward living a happier and balanced life. From reducing the symptoms of mental illness to boosting your self-esteem, the mental health benefits of exercise are surely undeniable. By making physical activity a regular part of your daily or weekly routine, you&#8217;re investing in both your physical health and your mental health. So, find an activity you love, and get moving.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ac5c98 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5ac5c98\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7a7b1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d7a7b1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Call Dragonfly Medical for Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Services &amp; More\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82ab061 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82ab061\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/\">Dragonfly Medical<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today for services including Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Services, Primary Care Services, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Services, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/clinical-services.html\">Nursing Services<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>,<\/strong> and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our professional team is 100 % devoted to supporting your health and well-being every step of the way. <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/insurance.html\">For insurance information<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or to schedule an appointment, call us at<strong> <a href=\"tel:4235889978\">423-588-9978<\/a> <\/strong>or <strong><a href=\"tel:4237223401\">423-722-3401<\/a><\/strong>. You can also visit us at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/SNebgHPurHhPDQEk9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">102 North Broadway Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.<\/a><\/strong> We&#8217;re here to help! <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/contact-us.html\">Call our healthcare professionals now<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we think about physical activity, we often focus on the benefits of better endurance, stronger muscles, or shedding a few pounds. But did you know that breaking a sweat can do wonders for your mind, too? The connection between physical and mental health is stronger than many realize. In this blog, we&#8217;ll discuss how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=581"}],"version-history":[{"count":63,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2678,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/581\/revisions\/2678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonflymedicalandbehavioralhealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}