HOW DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH?
HOW DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH?
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Studies show greater improvements in mood and mental health exercising outdoors vs indoors.
Exercise in natural outdoor settings are associated with less tension, depression, and negativity with increases in energy, rejuvenation, and engagement (Coon et al., 2011)
Drained from using the treadmill? Forcing yourself to attend the gym? Try exercising outdoors!
Need tips for outdoor activity? Check out https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercising-outdoors
Green Is Great
-A beautiful environment could serve as distractive stimulus, decreasing perception of physical effort as well as negative emotions
-Cognitive components such as mood can improve
Exposure to forest environment shows stress-reducing effects and decreased blood pressure
-Decreased perceived effort can also increase motivation to continue! (Gladwell et al., 2013)
Have you ever been stressed?
-Results from animal and human studies suggest that physical activity might play an important role in reducing stress
-During exercise, the brain decreases HPA axis responses, which is a stress response, improves cognitive function, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress while increasing serotonin function.(Tortosa-Martinez, 2011)
-Natural medicine is natural healing
-Feel less worried and more accomplished
Is there such thing as an exercise high?
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by: Releasing feel-good endorphins, natural cannabis-like brain chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids) and other natural brain chemicals that can enhance your sense of well-being."
5 Reasons Exercise is good for Mental Health
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Increased neurotransmitter activity and increased cognitive function.
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Improved self-esteem in people who suffer from depression
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Release of stored energy, which can alleviate anxiety.
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Serves as a distraction from stressors or can be a coping mechanism for trauma.
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Creates opportunities for social interaction with friends, teammates and peers.
"Exercise also has great benefits for mental health. It releases endorphins that make you feel happy."
Michelle Davis
YOU ARE ONE WORKOUT AWAY FROM A BETTER MOOD
Does Physical Activity Help Improve mood?
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Often, people who exercise regularly do it simply because it makes them feel good. Exercise can boost your mood, concentration and alertness. It can even help give you a positive outlook on life.
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Regular exercise can help you sleep better. And good sleep helps you manage your mood.
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Exercise can reduce skeletal muscle tension, which helps you feel more relaxed
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Participants in studies described improved mood and concentration as a result of their involvement in physical activity.
For more information you can click on the link below
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health
More Ideas
How does physical activity impact mental health?
Exercising outdoors is best for mental health.
Team sports and workout buddies can help boost motivation and mood.
Physical activity has physical, mental and many health benefits.
References
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J. Tortosa-Martínez & A. Clow (2012) Does physical activity reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease through interaction with the stress neuroendocrine system?, Stress, 15:3, 243-261, DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.629323
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Thompson Coon, J., Boddy, K., Stein, K., Whear, R., Barton, J., & Depledge, M. H. (2011). Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(5), 1761-1772. doi:10.1021/es102947t
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Gladwell VF, Brown DK, Wood C, Sandercock GR, Barton JL. The great outdoors: how a green exercise environment can benefit all. Extrem Physiol Med. 2013 Jan 3;2(1):3. doi: 10.1186/2046-7648-2-3. PMID: 23849478; PMCID: PMC3710158.