The Connection Between Exercise & Mental Health

amberlynwellbeing
Mar 9, 2023
2 min read

It's always been common to hear that exercise is essential to life a happy, healthy life. We’ve known the physical benefits of exercise, now we are learning even more about the mental benefits to exercise.

Then mental benefits may not be the first thing you think of when you want to start working out. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression exercise has become an invaluable resource in managing my mental health. There are studies that show the positive connection between exercise and mental health.

Health Benefits of Exercise:

Improved sleep
Better endurance
Increased energy and stamina
Reduced tiredness that can increase mental alertness
Fat reduction and/or muscle gain
Reduced cholesterol
Improved cardio fitness

Mental Health Benefits of exercise:

Stress Relief
Improvement in mood
Possible distraction from negative thoughts
Provides opportunity to socialize and get social support

Exercise promotes changes in the brain, with increased blood flow and a change in the chemical levels in your brain. The changes in the brain can include; neural growth, reduced inflammation as well as feelings of calm and wellbeing due to new activity patterns. The changing chemical levels in the brain include increased serotonin, cortisol (helps us manage stress), and dopamine and norepinephrine.

A lot of the physical benefits of exercise can directly influence the possible mental benefits. It’s been shown that even low to moderate intensity exercise can elicit these benefits (maybe just within 5 minutes).

I want to touch on the feeling of impossibility when it comes to exercise and beginning to participate in physical activity. It can be hard to do when you are mentally unwell, it can become frustrating. I think the most helpful thing I can tell you is to start small. Find things that feel doable in the moment. Ask for help from people you trust. Exercise does not have to look one way.

The connection between exercise and mental health continues to be studied and we will continue to learn more. Exercise can be about taking care of yourself, body and mind.