5 Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health
Exercise does not only provide benefits for physical fitness and health. More than that, there are a number of benefits of exercise for mental health and cognitive function.
Many studies have proven that exercise is beneficial for mental health. Regular light to moderate intensity workouts can reduce symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
Exercise increases energy and motivation. In addition, exercise is also associated with emotional resilience and attitude.
Here are 5 benefits of exercise for mental health:
1. Reduces Symptoms of Depression
Regular exercise can help prevent depression. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed 12 percent of new cases of depression could be prevented if the entire population exercised at least one hour each week.
Quoted from Live Science, in people who are already depressed, exercise is also effective in preventing severe or mild symptoms. Research from Duke University shows exercise is just as effective as taking antidepressants and mental health treatment. Exercise can reduce symptoms of depression by up to 70 percent.
2. Overcoming Anxiety Symptoms
Exercise is also able to maintain your mental health which often appears suddenly. A meta-analysis of 12 studies shows that exercise can prevent the appearance of anxiety symptoms.
According to researchers, this happens because anxiety is related to adrenaline and cortisol which makes muscles tense. Exercise can relax these muscles and distract from things that trigger anxiety.
3. Improve self-behaviour
Studies in children show exercise can improve their behaviour.
Starting from working better, reducing aggressiveness, and being more responsible for their actions. Begin to accept criticism with an open heart. The reason, not many people are able to accept criticism. Only people with big hearts are able to accept criticism with an open heart.
The benefits of this behaviour can also be obtained by adults. As improving self-behaviour can also provides mental health treatment in mass.
4. Discipline and Respect Time
The next way to improve yourself is to get used to being disciplined and respecting time. Start with yourself to get used to morning exercise after waking up from sleep
Not only respecting time, an adult is also smart in dividing his time on a priority scale. They know what to do first and what to do later.
The habit of procrastinating, often late, and irregular are examples of an attitude that underestimates time. So, try to be more disciplined so that you can change for the better than before.
5. Increase self-esteem
Sports also affect self-confidence and self-esteem or known as self-esteem. Research shows that people who exercise regularly have more positive self-esteem and self-perception. Quality of life also increases along with improved self-esteem and self-perception.
As discussed above, exercise can help us improve mental health.. It is recommended for every adult to exercise 30-60 minutes daily of light to moderate intensity, five times a week or an accumulation of 150 minutes a week. But sometimes, we also need a professional help if we have a severe mental problem. If you may need … Read More..