You can use Exercise to Improve your Mental Health

When you’re anxious or depressed, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. But exercise is a powerful tool for dealing with anxiety or depression. (In fact, studies show that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication at increasing energy levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue.)

Evidence suggests that physical activity triggers new cell growth in the brain, increases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and endorphins, reduces stress, and relieves muscle tension—all things that can have a positive effect.

To gain the most benefits, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. You can start small, though, as short 10-minute bursts of activity can have a positive effect on your mood. Here are a few easy ways to get moving:

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Take the stairs rather than the elevator

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Park your car in the farthest spot in the lot

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Take your dog for a walk

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Pair up with an exercise partner

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Walk while you’re talking on the phone

As a next step, try incorporating walks or some other enjoyable, easy form of exercise into your daily routine. The key is to pick an activity you enjoy, so you’re more likely to keep up with it.

The following exercise tips offer a powerful prescription for boosting mood:

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Exercise now…and again.  A 10-minute walk can improve your mood for two hours. The key to sustaining mood benefits is to exercise regularly.

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Choose activities that are moderately intense. Aerobic exercise undoubtedly has mental health benefits, but you don't need to sweat strenuously to see results.

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Find exercises that are continuous and rhythmic (rather than intermittent). Walking, swimming, dancing, stationery biking, and yoga are good choices.

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Add a mind-body element. Activities such as yoga and tai chi rest your mind and increase your energy. You can also add a meditative element to walking or swimming by repeating a mantra (a word or phrase) as you move.

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Start slowly, and don't overdo it. More isn't better. Athletes who over train find their moods drop rather than lift.

If you have severe depression or anxiety and exercise does not seem to be enough to alleviate your symptoms, get in touch with a local Mental Health Therapist and/or psychiatrist.

Author: James Clapper, Masters level Intern at Loring Therap, LLC- www.loringtherapy.com