We all know the physical benefits of regular exercise, but it can be easy to forget that exercise also plays a vital role in maintaining mental
wellness. People who consistently exercise sleep better at night, feel more energetic during the day, have higher self-esteem and have better
memory spans. Exercise can also play an integral role in the treatment of various mental illnesses.
Benefits in Mental Illnesses
Depression
Studies have shown that exercise can be as effective as
antidepressant medication when used to treat mild to moderate
depression. Additionally, regular exercise can help prevent a recurrent
depressive episode. How does it do this? By inducing neural growth,
reducing inflammation, and releasing endorphins, which are the happy
chemicals in your brain. Having a schedule and some quiet time to
yourself every day also helps fight depression.
Anxiety and PTSD
Exercise can be a wonderful mindfulness activity, and
mindfulness is an excellent treatment for anxiety. As you work out, pay
attention to all the sensations in your body and focus on the here and
now, rather than ruminating about past or future stressors. Mindfulness
as well as the exercise itself can both relieve tension and stress.
ADHD
Exercise increases the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and
serotonin levels which leads to improved motivation, memory, mood,
and concentration. In milder cases of ADHD, exercise may effectively
replace stimulant medications.
Addiction
As mentioned above, exercise increases dopamine, which is the brain’s reward chemical also released by sex, drugs, alcohol, and
food. As a result, working out can aid in addiction recovery by providing a healthier way to release dopamine into the brain. Additionally, it
serves as a good distraction from using and helps to reset the body’s circadian rhythm, which is often thrown out of whack by substances.