Reasons Why Exercise Isn't Just for the Body

Since the lockdown started, I've been trying to make more time for regular exercise in my admittedly uneventful schedule, and I imagine a lot of people can say the same. It hasn't been anything too sensational— daily runs, home workout apps, longer neighbourhood walks— but I noticed almost instantly that I was getting so much more out of it than what I was putting in.

Ever since health class in grade school, the extensive physical advantages of frequent exercise have been drilled into our heads: weight loss, longer lifespan, better skin, healthier sleep, the list goes on. But for most people, exercise seems to lose its relevance more and more with each year that passes between them and grade 8 gym class. Maybe it's because the Beep Test was a little too traumatic or maybe it's because they had a coach that was a little too discouraging. Physical activity isn't just some ploy to make students run around while teachers get a break, though, and it's good for so much more than weight loss and clear skin.

Arguably the easiest way to exemplify the wide range of well-being encompassed by physical exercise is by taking a look at what some call the Tripartite View, others call the Trinity of Man, and still others have (perhaps more comprehensibly) have dubbed the Mind Body Spirit Connection. The latter term is more or less self-explanatory: the Mind Body Spirit Connection is the Christian concept that each individual is equally comprised of each of those three elements, and essentially, what happens to one has a direct and proportionate impact on the other two.

The Mind Body Spirit Connection has been a pertinent idea for thousands of years, and although it has theological roots, has been loosely applied to medical science throughout history. As early as ancient times, it was accepted that a healthy mind constitutes a healthy body, and relatively, a healthy body is crucial to house a healthy mind. The concept translates into modern medicine likewise, in that mental stress is widely regarded as a contributing cause to a number of physical diseases.

This connection exhibits itself in a couple of ways in our routine lives. When someone's stressed, for instance, their body experiences physical symptoms— sweating, an increased heartbeat, narrowed vision— which seem to be commensurate with their mental symptoms— a racing mind, panicked emotions, anger, etc.

Another example of the Mind Body Spirit Connection's relevance in our lives is through the prominence of exercise, not just on the body, but subsequently on the mind and the spirit.

Spirit

In attempt not to lose any readers in too much technical mumbo jumbo, exercise and heavy muscle work releases endorphins which are essentially "feel good chemicals" that act as natural antidepressants. A Harvard T.H. Chan study proved that running for no more than 15 minutes a day, or walking for an hour, reduces the risk of depression by 26%.  And it isn't just depression; oftentimes when I'm stressed, anxious, or just generally moody, all it takes is a two minute run to almost entirely calm me down.

Mind

It's scientifically proven that regular exercise plays a substantial role in intellect, concentration, memory and IQ. There are a couple of suspected reasons, one of which being that physical excursion boosts the blood supply, and thereby the oxygen supply, to the brain. It's also presumed that physical activity promotes the growth of neurons, the release of neurotransmitters, and the development of growth hormones, all of which are essential to the brain's comprehensive health. I've no doubt seen this exhibited in my own experiences. If I'm ever stumped on a writing prompt or struggling with a blog post, even just standing up and walking around my room will give my brain the energy it needs to come up with a solution.

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It isn't just about getting that coveted "summer body" or showing off a trendy lifestyle. Physical activity promotes prosperity in all sectors of your life, and endorses an authentic, well-rounded way of being.

And that's why exercise isn't just for the body.