Have you ever finished a workout, walk or any form of movement and felt worse?
The answer is a resounding no. Exercise is amazing for the mind and body, and I am yet to hear anyone complain about feeling worse after moving their body. Research backs this up to no end.
In his journal, ‘Exercise and Mental Health: Beneficial and Detrimental Effects’, John S. Raglin shed light on his research into the link between exercise and mental health. He stated that, Physical exercise is increasingly being advocated as a means to maintain and enhance good mental health. In general, research findings indicate that exercise is associated with improvements in mental health including mood state and self-esteem, indicating that 20 to 40 minutes of aerobic activity results in improvements towards anxiety and mood that persist for several hours. These transitory changes in mood occur in both individuals with normal or elevated levels of anxiety or depression.
Similar findings are stated by Carek PJ, Laibstain SE and Carek SM in their journal, ‘Exercise as Treatment for Depression and Anxiety’. The Journal states that, Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric conditions seen in the general medical setting. Both Journals also agree that exercise helps reduce the effects of mental and emotional health problems as physical activity has been shown to be associated with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Having been a PT for many years now, these two pieces of research only back up what my practical experience and knowledge has taught me. I have seen clients develop so much confidence and self-belief over the years, and I have genuinely seen it change lives, including my own.
Here are some of the most significant ones:
Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety: Exercise has been shown to be as effective as medication in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It helps to increase levels of endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to alleviate feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress.
Boosts self-esteem: Exercise can help to improve self-esteem and confidence by providing a sense of achievement and a feeling of control over one’s body. Regular exercise can also lead to improvements in physical appearance, which can further boost self-confidence.
Improves cognitive function: Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed. This is thought to be due to increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain, as well as the release of growth factors that promote the growth of new brain cells.
Reduces stress: Exercise can help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. It can also help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.
Improves sleep: Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and help people fall asleep more quickly. This is thought to be due to the release of endorphins, which can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
Overall, exercise can be an effective tool for improving mental health and well-being. Even small amounts of physical activity can have significant benefits, so it’s important to find an exercise routine that works for you and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Thanks for reading,
Matthew.