Being physically fit isn’t the only benefit of exercise. Staying consistently active has a positive effect on your mental health with benefits like improving sleep and reducing anxiety. Whether someone has mental health problems or not, exercise is great for everyone.
Exercise can help address a range of mental health symptoms, but the strongest research supports its positive effects on depression and anxiety. It increases serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that’s often deficient in people who have depression or anxiety.
Challenges and Support
The trouble with recommending exercise for people with depression is that the symptoms of the condition can make it very difficult to act on that advice. You can lack energy and motivation to even just begin, which can be the hardest step. For those with current symptoms, a good place to start is to make an appointment with your doctor.
This is an area where the people you surround yourself with can make a huge impact on your journey. By having supportive and motivating people around you will stay on track and are more likely to achieve your own personal goals. Becoming consistently active doesn’t require anyone to help you, but if you think it will keep you accountable then it is a terrific idea.
Making Mental Health YOUR Priority
Maintaining good mental health is important for everyone, even if they don’t have a mental health condition. Not every condition comes out early in a person’s life. It could be 5, 15 or 30 years down the road before being diagnosed/developing a condition. Putting emphasis in your own life on the need to exercise to prolong your health will result in better sleep, improved memory and higher energy levels, which will improve your day to day life significantly.
Though it’s not a cure-all for depression and anxiety, exercise is a highly effective activity to manage physical health, stress management, and improve your mental health.
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