Some people hit the gym for building muscles and improving their cardiovascular health while others love spending time with their Bowflex home gym equipment for getting in shape. Regardless of individual desires and fitness goals, their regular exercise routine offers them much more than a fit body and an overall physical well being. A number of studies show that besides enhancing physical health, exercising boosts mental health as well. Continue reading to find out what mental health benefits regular exercise offers. Boosts happy chemicals Feelings of happiness and euphoria are the result of endorphin hormones. The more we exercise, the more these hormones release in our body. For those who are depressed, exercise and spending quality time at the gym is highly recommended, as it works as effectively as antidepressant pills do to treat depression and anxiety. Sharpens memory If you are on a lookout for ways to sharpen your memory, you can consider developing an exercise routine. Regular exercise or any other physical activity can improve your ability to learn new things. For the same reason, the level of physical fitness is linked to a child’s brain development. A study even shows that running or sprints improve vocabulary retention.

A little bit if teen angst, every now and then, is perfectly normal behavior. But there are times when anger management counseling for teens is the need of the hour. Therefore, it can be helpful for parents to know when and how of teen anger management counseling and the ways to maximize its benefits. Angry Teens and Underlying Problems Adolescence is a time of great changes. Due to many hormonal and body changes, teens can experience irritability and confusion. The teenage brain also goes through many development phases. Their brain is still not able to process and manage emotions well. These changes can bring out the very worst in some teenagers; while others may just experience tiny behavioral problems. • Often times the stress of growing up coupled with difficult times in school or with friends can manifest as angry outbursts or violent behavior. • Extreme anger and violent behavior can affect a teenager’s academic and social life. They can be angry at their parents, teachers, peers and even strangers. They can be violent towards family members, pets and neighbors. Truancy, destruction of school property and even criminal behavior is common when teen anger spirals out of control. • Angry or violent behavior can also lead to other health problems like depression and other issues like alcohol abuse, smoking or self-harm.

Anxiety & stress are similar in numerous ways, with one or two crucial differences. Both are emotional responses to pressures of everyday life or childhood traumas. Additionally, the symptoms in most cases are the same, be it physical or emotional. Both can influence, to a great extent, the quality of life experienced by an individual. Read on to know the differences between anxiety & stress, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and the different types:  Anxiety & Stress – Difference between the two Causes  A person experiences stress when caused by an external factor or trigger. For example, you are likely to be stressed when there’s a deadline to meet at work or when you have a fight with your loved ones.    Anxiety is a person’s reaction to internal stress. So, when stress is induced externally, anxiety lurks in. A person prone to anxiety is inclined to worry excessively, without any stress or triggers. The feeling of apprehension persists even if things are not as bad.   Duration  In most cases, the trigger for stress is short-term. That is why stress itself, in most people, does not persist for too long.    Anxiety is usually a persistent problem and can become a long-term menace if not addressed well in time.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is a long term medical condition where the blood pressure in the blood vessels remains raised. Hypertension by itself doesn’t usually cause symptoms. However, long-term hypertension contributes to a number of heart diseases. 90% of cases of high blood pressure are due to genetic reasons or an unhealthy lifestyle. The other cases are due to other underlying diseases. The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. When the blood pressure exceeds a reading of 140/90 mm Hg, it is categorized as hypertension. The following are lifestyle modifications that can help control hypertension without medication. Lose the excess weight Blood pressure frequently increases with weight. Being overweight can also result in a condition called sleep apnea. This further leads to raised blood pressure levels. Weight loss is probably the most efficient way to control changes in blood pressure. Losing as little as 10 pounds can help control blood pressure. Exercise regularly Regular physical exercise can reduce one’s blood pressure by up to 9 mm Hg. However, consistency is essential. If the exercising is stopped, the blood pressure may shoot up again. If you have mild hypertension, exercise will prevent it from advancing to the extreme stages.