How Can Exercise lower blood pressure and help your mental state?

Exercise does so much to improve your overall health. This is especially true for mental health, stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. Exercise lowers your stress instantly, which will impact your blood pressure positively in the long run.

How does that happen?

Exercise reduces adrenaline and cortisol, which are your stress hormones and increases the  release of endorphins, the feel good hormones. So even a little bit of exercise will make you feel better. When your stress level is lower, you may also be able to think with more clarity and communicate with less reactivity.

Breathing deeply, with focus and attention, activates your parasympathetic nervous system which relaxes your body, aids in digestion, regulates your heart rate, and helps you recover from your body’s natural stress response.

Mindful movement can also help you disengage from racing, intrusive thoughts by shifting your focus to your physical body. 

The Vagus nerve, which runs from your brain, through your diaphragm, and into your abdominal cavity is responsible for the stress response in your body.  Finding proper physical alignment and healthy stimulation of the vagus nerve helps you manage the physical effects of anxiety. Along with healthy breathing, it will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, calming you. It gives you peace in your body, which will allow you to work through the mental aspects of your stress and anxiety. As always, seek professional help when traumatic memories come up, or if your anxiety is affecting your ability to function, or your personal relationships.

Healthy activity often inspires healthy choices in other areas of your life, like eating better. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment and a place to channel your energy and emotions. If you choose to exercise with people, it can be a great social reward.

Exercise also  increases mitochondria production, which gives you more energy. It can be helpful when you feel sluggish or have low energy.

What kind of exercise is best?

Pilates, Yoga, or other mindful activities are great for your mental health. Walking briskly for 30 mins, 5 days a week can reduce your blood pressure over time. Dance is a great, full-bodied exercise for instant stress relief, if you like that.

Of course higher intensity exercises like running and cycling can help with your mental health and blood pressure.

**As with any condition, if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s guidelines when beginning a new exercise program.**

But honestly, doing anything you like to do, will benefit you, plus you will be more likely to do it. So, find something you enjoy!

Here’s a short movement flow for more energy, subscribe to my Youtube channel for more videos like this!