Dealing with grief can be one of the most difficult challenges anyone can face. There is no right or wrong way to grieve because everyone copes with loss differently. However, the process of grieving demands self-care. This is where fitness can play an essential role in dealing with grief. In this post, we're going to discuss how exercise can positively impact our mental health during times of grief and sorrow.
Boosts Endorphin Levels
When experiencing grief, endorphins normally decrease in your body, contributing to feelings of depression and sadness. By exercising, you release endorphins which counteract feelings of depression. Exercise also induces the production of other feel-good chemicals that lift your mood and help you cope.
Furthermore, according to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, people who engage in regular exercise have higher endorphin levels than people who don’t exercise. This is great news because it is a natural way to increase your mood without the use of medication.
Improves Sleep Quality
Exercising also helps to improve sleep quality. When experiencing grief, one of the most common difficulties is finding it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. However, with the help of regular exercise, you can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. Getting enough restful sleep is part of the self-care process and can contribute greatly to your emotional stability.
Promotes Social Connection
Studies show that a lack of social connectivity due to grief can also have a negative impact on our mental health. Fitness not only helps us to stay physically fit but allows us to connect with others who are engaged in similar activities as well.
Joining a group or club can create a sense of belonging and make it much easier to work through your grieving process. This connection can make a world of difference during trying times.
Increases Self-Confidence
When grieving, it is very common to feel helpless and vulnerable. However, regular exercise can help boost your self-esteem and promote self-confidence. Working out focuses on what the body can do rather than what it can't do, which can help shift your mindset from negativity to positivity.
Relieves Stress
Research has shown that exercise is a great way to relieve stress. The stress hormone cortisol has been known to cause a number of physical and mental symptoms when levels are elevated. However, moderate exercise helps decrease cortisol levels, which aids in your quest for emotional resiliency.
Dealing with grief is an emotionally and psychologically demanding occurrence. However, incorporating fitness as part of your coping mechanisms can be a supportive tool to aid in the healing process.
Regular exercise keeps you active and promotes endorphin production to lift your mood. It also improves sleep quality, increases self-confidence, and creates a sense of belonging and social connectivity which can make a world of difference during trying times.
Remember, self-care is an important part of the grieving process. With a consistent fitness regimen, one can improve their mental wellness, encourage healing and resiliency making coping with grief manageable. Stay active, stay healthy, stay resilient.