Did you know that daily exercise can assist in quitting smoking by alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms? Regular exercise can have profound impacts on the body and mind. From decreasing chances of illness, to improving cardiovascular health, and boosting mood & emotion, daily exercise plays a pivotal role in overall well-being of a person. 

To start off, daily exercise has benefits that lead to immunal improvements and decreased chances of attracting illnesses. Engaging in physical activity can reduce blood sugar levels and enhance the effectiveness of insulin, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (MedicinePlus). Insulin levels in our blood and circulation of white blood cells play a crucial role in defending the body against diseases. “For example, a study that followed 1,000 adults for 3 months found that those who did aerobic exercise 5 days a week were half as likely to develop colds than those who don’t exercise” (CNN). Exercise stimulates the production of antibodies which are key components in the immune system’s response to pathogens. Blood flow increases with physical activity, and with that so does high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or good cholesterol (Mayo Clinic). This allows smooth blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of sicknesses. The evidence supports the concept that daily exercise strengthens one’s immune system and also lessens the vulnerability to illness, making it essential in a healthy lifestyle.

Correspondingly to immunal improvements and less risk of illness, daily exercise significantly contributes to improving cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, enhances blood circulation, and lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (MayoClinic). Enhancing heart function by physical activity is a paramount way of improving cardiovascular health. This enhanced heart and cardiovascular function leads to better endurance, reduced fatigue, and improved overall performance in day-to-day activity (NewsRx Health). Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. “When you take part in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn” (Mayo Clinic). Furthermore, engaging in regular exercise helps to manage weight, control blood pressure and circulation, and enhance cardiovascular function, all of which are vital components in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Not only does daily physical activity help with cardiovascular health, but it also boosts mood and eases stress and emotion. Engaging in daily exercise has been linked to improvements in mood and reducing stress and negative emotions because the exercise triggers the release of endorphins leading to feelings of happiness and well-being (Robinson). The neurotransmitters in the brain react very positively to physical activity, and if that physical activity happens daily, the production of serotonin and dopamine causes mood regulation and pleasure further enhancing positive emotions. Something such as engaging in a workout at the gym or taking a brisk walk can be beneficial. Physical activity triggers various brain chemicals that can enhance mood, promote relaxation, and alleviate anxiety (Mayo Clinic). Regular exercise also promotes better and deeper sleep quality, which in turn manages mood and stress levels. According to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, vigorous exercise correlates with better overall sleep quality. Those who engaged in more intense physical activity reported experiencing fewer sleep-related issues and an increase in mood compared to those who did not exercise (CNN). Higher quality sleep and recovery is climactic in the well-being of a person, and the effect from quality sleep leads to better spirits and proves the pivotal role of exercise in daily routine. Moreover, research indicates that by concentrating on your body and its sensations during exercise, you can assist your nervous system in transitioning away from the immobilizing stress response associated with PTSD or trauma (Robinson). Trauma and PTSD have utter impacts on the mind, but participating in exercise upheaves the negative associations that comes from PTSD and predominantly eases traumatic events. Overall, boosting mood and overall well-being from daily exercise leads to jubilant outcomes. 

Daily exercise or physical activity is a prominent way of improving and maintaining one’s well-being. Not only does regular exercise dwindle the likelihood of falling prey to illness by reinforcing the immune system, but it also stands as a guardian of cardiovascular health, strengthening the heart and circulation against disease. The profound impact of physical activity on mood cannot be overemphasized, as it serves almost as an antidote to stress and anxiety, thus causing a sense of vitality and tenacity. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes daily physical activity not only enriches the body, but also nourishes the mind into a state of tranquility.

Works Cited

"Better hearing, less constipation and other surprising benefits of exercise." CNN Wire, 9 Aug. 2017, p. NA. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A500153694/SUIC?u=elkhornnhs&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=1f9011b3. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.

“Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 23 August 2023, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389. Accessed 14 February 2024.

MedicinePlus. “Benefits of Exercise.” MedlinePlus, USGOV, 30 August 2017, medlineplus.gov/benefitsofexercise.html. Accessed 19 February 2024.

"Regular exercise reduces the risk of and death from pneumonia, study suggests." NewsRx Health, 26 Dec. 2021, p. 45. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A687341399/SUIC?u=elkhornnhs&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=063c8a91. Accessed 19 Feb. 2024.

Robinson, Lauren. “The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.” HelpGuide.org, HelpGuide, 28 February 2023, helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm. Accessed 19 February 2024.