The Mind-Body Connection: How Exercising Regularly Can Help Improve Your Mental Health During Pregnancy?

Understanding the link between physical and mental health is essential. Regular exercise not only improves physical health but also plays a crucial role in enhancing mental wellness. When we stay active, our brain releases chemicals like endorphins that regulate mood, reduce stress, and boost mental clarity.

Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help alleviate these mental health challenges in a natural, effective way. Times Now Digital spoke to Dr. Chanchal Mohanty, Physiotherapist and Lactation Consultant, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, about how exercise can impact mental wellness during pregnancy.

Exercise and Mental Wellness During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Reduces Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and Stress

Pregnancy brings physical and emotional changes, often leading to anxiety. Regular exercise helps lower stress levels by boosting mood-enhancing endorphins, providing a sense of control and relaxation during this transformative time.

Improves Sleep Quality During Pregnancy

Many women experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy due to physical discomfort or anxiety. Exercise can help regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and improving overall sleep quality, which is vital for mental health during pregnancy.

Enhances Mood and Reduces Postpartum Depression Risk

Exercise can be highly effective in reducing the risk of postpartum depression. Physical activity encourages the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, making it easier for new mothers to cope with emotional changes post-birth.

Boosts Energy and Reduces Fatigue

Fatigue is common during pregnancy and after childbirth. Exercise improves blood circulation and increases oxygen flow to the brain, helping mothers feel more energized, reduce mental fatigue, and handle the demands of pregnancy and motherhood more effectively.

Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Tension

Muscle tension often builds up during pregnancy due to physical changes. Exercise, particularly yoga or stretching, helps release this tension, promoting relaxation, reducing stiffness, and improving overall emotional wellness.

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