Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD: How Exercise & Nutrition Can Help!

We all know that proper nutrition and exercise are good for your physical health, but did you know that they are also good for your mental health? Exercising regularly and having proper nutrition can have a positive impact on things such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. These three things were major factors in my life that a healthy lifestyle had a profound impact on. 

When you exercise regularly and have proper nutrition some pretty amazing things start to happen. People may notice a decrease in stress, improved memory, better sleep patterns, and an overall improvement in mood! The best part is that you don't need to be a fitness freak to benefit from the effects. In fact, research shows that people who implement health and fitness modestly can feel the effects. It doesn't matter how old you are, or what your fitness level is, we can all learn to use exercise and nutrition as a tool to feel better in all aspects of life. 

Of course, physical exercise can improve your overall health, tighten your waistline, increase your libido, and add years to your life, but that doesn't seem to be what keeps most people to continue their health and fitness routine. People like myself, who consistently eat well and exercise, do so because of the way it makes them feel. I for one felt an overall feeling of well-being almost like a natural high. I had more energy, better sleep, and was overall happier and more positive throughout my days. 

Studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression just as well as medication. In my example, I had been on medication for ten years and never felt as good as I did when I started working out and eating right. The best part of that is, the side effects of fitness and nutrition are positive ones vs. the side effects of anti-depression medication. One of the things that keeps me going daily is to keep myself from relapsing. Research shows that maintaining a consistent exercise routine can prevent a depression relapse, and I believe it! 

As for anxiety, fitness and nutrition are active and effective for relieving those symptoms as well. By releasing endorphins, exercise relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances the feeling of well-being. 

For those of us who struggle with ADHD, once again exercise and proper nutrition can help. Exercising regularly improves concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. When we get active, the brains dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels immediately boost and all of those things affect focus and attention! Basically, exercise affects my brain the same way that Ritalin did!

This all sounds great, but I am sure you are thinking that you don't have time to or knowledge to fit fitness and nutrition into your life. It is easier than you may think! You don't need to spend a million hours at the gym or run a 12 miles to feel the affects. You can reap all of the physical and mental health benefits by doing moderate exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. 

Don't know where to start? I can help! I run monthly challenge groups that provide you with the support your need to be successful at implementing fitness and nutrition into your life. These challenges involve exercise routines that you can do at your own home, on your own time, and show you exactly what you need to be doing. In addition to the physical activity the challenge group also comes with a nutrition plan and health shake that will provide your body and brain with the vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive. By joining the group, I become your coach. That means that I support you through your journey in any way possible. I will help you with meal plans, motivation, and accountability so that you can get yourself into peak physical AND mental shape. 

I personally know how much mental health obstacles can affect all aspects of life, and I want to help you feel better. Check out my story here! If you are ready to change the way you feel, I want you to send an email to Messina1892@gmail.com and let me know! My name is Jaime, and I want to help you!