Studies suggest that physical exercise may help ward off mental health problems before they start.
Research also shows exercise can improve the symptoms of many existingmental illnesses.
Exercise helps promote thegrowth of new neuronsin key areas of the brain, including the hippocampus.
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Exercise may improve motor skills and executive function for children withADHD.
Depression
Light, moderate, and vigorous exercise have been shown to reduce the severity ofdepression.
Exercise may also help PTSD symptoms like depression, anxiety,sleep issues, and cardiovascular problems.
Verywell / Brianna GIlmartin
Mindful Moment
Need a breather?
Increased physical activity has been found to enhance mood, improve energy levels, and promote quality sleep.
From weight lifting to running, it’s important to find exercises that you enjoy doing.
Here are some types of exercise that can be good for mental health.
Yoga
Yogacan range from gentle to challenging.
Yoga is a low-risk method for healing the body and mind.
Often the positive effects can be felt after just one class.
Your medical history, currentmedications, and diagnosed conditions can all play a role in your ability to exercise.
A qualified mental health professional can make suggestions about the best strategies for treating your specific condition.
Do you want to take a class?
Could it be helpful to hire a trainer at the gym?
Do you prefer to go for a walk on your own time while listening to your favorite music?
The key to sticking with a program is to find something that you enjoy doing.
When starting a new exercise plan, you may initially feel very motivated.
This motivation to exercise can be extremely beneficial in helping you get started on your new exercise plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Physical exercise may lessen feelings of anxiety and improve yourresiliency against stress.
Regular physical activity may also have positive effects on the brain, like increased neurogenesis and improvedneurotransmitterlevels.
You may feel animproved mood and euphoric feelingimmediately after you exercise, especially if youre engaging in moderate activity.
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Oppizzi LM, Umberger R.The effect of physical activity on PTSD.Issues Ment Health Nurs.
2014;56(4):441-7. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012
American Psychological Association.Manage stress: Strengthen your support connection.
Childs E, De wit H.Regular exercise is associated with emotional resilience to acute stress in healthy adults.Front Physiol.
2016;33(9):870-881. doi:10.1002/da.22521
Bourne, EJ.The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook.
Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 2011.
