Physical Activity Helps With Mental Health
Be Active & Improve Mental Health
77% of Americans believe that being physically active helps their mental health, according to research published in the 2022 MindBody Wellness Index.
Over the past few years, many Americans have turned to exercise specifically to help cope with stress & improve their mental health.
That’s because exercise improves mood & sleep quality, both of which tend to decline when stressed.
exercise has powerful cognitive & mental health benefits
Scientific research has long supported the notion that regular exercise has powerful cognitive & mental health benefits. The endorphins that your body releases during physical activity trigger positive feelings like happiness or euphoria and can relieve stress & pain in your body. Researchers have found that short bursts of intense exercise trigger the production of GABA & glutamate in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory, learning, & mood regulation.
Less intense aerobic activity, such as walking, also seems to benefit brain function & mood. Research indicates that even just walking or gardening for 20 minutes a day can help prevent depression & reduce symptoms of anxiety. Walking is also one of the best ways to decrease cortisol levels, which is a common need when stress is high.
For people who are experiencing depression, regular exercise is sometimes prescribed before or in addition to medication. A recent Iowa State University study of individuals experiencing major depressive episodes found that just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety during the exercise period and for at least 75 minutes after exercise.
Boost Melatonin Production at Night
Regular exercise during the day can also boost melatonin production at night, improving internal sleep regulation & positively impacting sleep quality. Better sleep quality is known to benefit both mood & cognition.
By choosing to prioritize your mental and physical health you set yourself up for success!
Sources:
2022 MindBody Wellness Index - http://mindbodyonline.com/.../2022-fitness-trends-report;
Walden University - http://waldenu.edu/.../five-mental-benefits-of-exercise; WebMD - webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression; Psychology Today - http://psychologytoday.com/.../neuroscience-pinpoints...; University of Toronto - utoronto.ca/news/prevent-depression-walk-20-minutes-day; The Hill - http://thehill.com/.../600356-thirty-minutes-of-exercise.
