Everyone wants to have a healthy and fulfilling life. Taking care of our bodies is essential to achieve this. One of the most important factors of our health is the balance of our cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and other complications. In addition, mental clarity and good sleep are also critical components of our wellbeing. In this article, we will explore some workouts that can help improve our cholesterol levels, mental clarity, and sleep quality.
Workouts for Cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the blood and is essential for our body to function. However, high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
On the other hand, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol can help facilitate the removal of excess cholesterol from the body.
One of the best workouts to improve cholesterol levels is aerobic training. Aerobic exercise such as running, cycling, swimming, or rowing can help increase HDL levels while reducing LDL levels.
Study shows that one hour of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least five days per week can contribute to a 5% to 10% reduction in LDL levels and a 3% to 6% increase in HDL levels.
Another workout that can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels is resistance exercise.
Resistance exercises such as lifting weights, using resistance bands, or performing bodyweight exercises can help reduce total cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels. In addition, resistance exercises can also help control blood sugar levels which can be critical for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Workouts for Mental Clarity
Mental clarity is essential for effective decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. It is easy to get overwhelmed and distracted in today’s fast-paced world. Fortunately, there are some workouts that can help improve mental clarity.
One workout that can help improve mental clarity is an outdoor walk. Walking in nature can reduce stress levels and help improve attention and memory. Study shows that taking a walk in the park can reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function.
Walking in nature has been shown to increase the gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex region of the brain that is responsible for attention and emotional regulation.
Another exercise that can help boost mental clarity is yoga. Yoga is a form of exercise that involves a combination of breathing techniques and physical postures.
It can help reduce stress levels, improve focus and memory, and increase the production of happy hormones. Yoga can also help improve sleep, which is essential for mental clarity.
Workouts for Sleep Quality
Sleep is vital for our bodies to rest and restore. Poor sleep can lead to a host of problems such as irritability, poor memory, and an increased risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Fortunately, there are some workouts that can help improve sleep quality.
Aerobic exercise can help improve sleep quality. A study shows that aerobic exercise can increase sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and increase the amount of deep sleep. Deep sleep is critical for our bodies to repair and restore.
Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for about 30 minutes per day can significantly improve sleep quality.
Another exercise that can help improve sleep quality is meditation. Meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object or thought. It can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep.
A study shows that meditation can improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Meditation can also help improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety levels.
Conclusion
Our bodies need regular exercise to stay healthy and balanced. Incorporating workouts that can help improve our cholesterol levels, mental clarity, and sleep quality can have a tremendous positive impact on our overall wellbeing.
Aerobic training, resistance exercises, outdoor walks, yoga, and meditation are some of the workouts that can help improve these critical components of our health.