Benefits of Exercise - Mental Health

 

Mental Health

There is substantial scientific evidence within exercise psychology that describes the positive mental health benefits of exercise participation. The psychological state from exercise participation has been called the “feel-better phenomenon”. Two common outcomes of regular physical activity are:

            Alleviation of anxiety and an overall stress reduction
      
   Typically demonstrated in aerobic exercise over a range of intensities and training volumes. One explanation for this has been accredited to the rhythmic nature of physical activity and exercise routines, especially when performed to a cadence or in sync with music. Furthermore, the thermogenic effect, or more simply, the heating of your body produces a slew of relaxation effects due to the release of hormones (i.e. serotonin, norepinephrine etc.)

            Antidepressive effects of exercise
         
         Serotonin levels released by the brain (a crucial neurotransmitter with antidepressant effects) have been notably increased during and following exercise. Other factors include the social interaction of physical activity, sense of accomplishment, enhanced self-efficacy from participating

It doesn’t take much. There is a difference between exercising for fitness and exercising for health; improvements in mental health occur with even the most modest levels as long as you perform regular, minimal activity (i.e. someone who walks 30 minutes per day, 6 days per week). Overall, consistent exercise creates a more efficient mind and body, resulting in less effort by all organs at every possible level of exercise and even at rest.