Exercise for mental healthThe effects of exercise on mental health is the focus of this page. Following is a list of benefits of exercise on mental fitness. We also have links (right below) to our specific pages on connection between exercise and mental health. Suggestions for how to exercise to prevent or relieve emotional problems are also offered on present page & in more depth, in the condition-specific pages. 
LINKSRelieving stress with exercise
Results have consistently showed that exercise is linked to better mood & enhanced mental health. The only real question is whether exercise enhances mental health or do mentally healthy people exercise. With about 25% of our population suffering from various emotional disorders, resulting in great human & financial toll, it begs a question. Why isn’t exercise being touted far & wide & actively encouraged, to prevent & manage any number of mental illnesses?
Here’s our position: If exercise were a drug for mental health, it would be hailed as a modern miracle & the manufacturers would make billions of dollars on this “drug.” And, all of the side effects are GOOD!
Studies on mental health & exercise
The many studies on the relationship between exercise & mental health conclude the following:*Exercise reduces depression *Exercise lowers anxiety *Exercise leads to stress reduction *Helps with insomnia *Decreases addictive behaviors *Boosts self-esteem *The effects of exercise on mental health are consistent, regardless of race, gender or age. How to exercise for mental health
Condition specific pages offer more details on how to exercise for depression, anxiety, stress reduction, etc.However, some general guidelines should help out until those pages are completed or in case you are in a roaring hurry. *Stress aerobic exercises, especially walking. Try to workout outdoors & preferably with an enjoyable partner. *Regular, 5-7 days per week, so that as positive effects of previous day’s session are wearing off, another session is beginning. *Moderate intensity, especially at first. You do not need the extra stress of intense exercise. Enjoy it. *As for duration, start at whatever level you can even if it’s just a few minutes of slow walking. Build up to 30 - 60 minutes daily. Finally, we encourage you to click on links to our sister sites for more great info on using water & herbs to enhance mental health. To go from exercise 4 mental health 2 If you liked our page on exercise & mental health & want to get our helpful info every month, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter: HEALTHY WORLD DIGEST You'll receive anywhere from 5 - 10 healthy “nuggets” of information to get you feeling & looking your best. Just fill in our brief eZine subscription form & start to take charge of your life easily, today, right now. We promise. |
