I love finding articles that help support the concept that exercise is a very important tool for mental health. I walk every day and each and every one of those days I take in my deep breaths, I listen for sounds of life and I appreciate the ability to walk. I do this each and every time. Might seem corny to some but for me it brings about a great feeling of life and the gratitude to move forward both physically and emotionally. It is equally as important for kids. To see my daughter laughing and running is euphoric. So tonight perhaps instead of huddling in front of the fireplace encourage the family to take a walk and see how well everyone sleeps afterward.
Here’s a great article by Christy Matta about just that, “The Impact of Exercise on your mental health.”
Most people in the general population understand that regular exercise is beneficial to physical health. Now, new research suggests that it has equally important mental health benefits.“The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong,” says Michael Otto, PhD, and professor of psychology at Boston University, in this monthsMonitor on Psychology. In the October 2011 issue of The American Psychologist, Roger Walsh describes exercise as healthy, inexpensiveand underused to treat .
How does exercise effect the brain?
One theory is that exercise increases serotonin(a neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressants)levels. A second theory suggests exercise helps improve sleep. With better sleep, mood improves.
Other possible effects of exercise on the brain and mental functioning include the release of endorphins in the body (Endorphins are a chemical in the brain associated with positive mood); the break down of muscle tension through exercise can improve sleep and decrease physical pain and discomfort associated with depression; improvements in self-esteem, a feeling of accomplishment and feelings of self-worth; and an interruption of cycles of negative thoughts and rumination.
What type of exercise proves a valuable adjunct to medication and therapy?
Researchers are not yet clear on which types of exercise are most effective for which people. Aerobic exercise has been the focus of most studies, but weight training may have equally beneficial results. Yoga and other mind-body exercises have been around for centuries but have not yet been thoroughly studied. In general, studies have found higher intensity workouts tend to be more effective, although lower intensity still have benefits. However, these results are shown to vary, depending on both gender and family history of mental illness.
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