Exercise is proven to prevent or delay the onset of different mental disorders.
Although this is fact, the knowledge truly comes into play with the exercise prescription specific to the disorder. For example: in anxiety or panic related disorders, exercise such as yoga or pilatés, are preferred when compared to running or jogging.
Most treatment for mental health is medicated. Many therapists use medication adjunct with physical activity/ exercise and there has been a lot of research which shows that the latter is more effective. Physical activity has been proven to reduce stress and anger. It can also allow the individual to feel better about themselves and gain a sense of achievement which all contribute to a stronger, healthier mind-set.
As little as one hour a week of exercise is proven, as written in the American Journal of Psychiatry, to contribute to the prevention of future depression. Setting aside that little slot in one’s week to get active can reap benefits without having to resort to medication.
A lot of skepticism of people with mental health disorders stems from not wanting to be on medication, especially lifelong prescriptions. This is another dimension in which exercise can prove to be beneficial for the person in question.
There have even been cases in genetically predisposed individuals in which physical activity has prevented the onset of a mental disorder.
THE RUNNER’S HIGH…
You may have heard this term in passing before but there is evidence based on this statement!
When you run, processes go on inside your brain that lead to an instant mood boost. For this reason, running is popularly prescribed to patient’s battling depression by physiotherapists. It is also proven to help in concentration and focus.
There are also studies that are published in the journal ‘Neurology’ that show that continuing running as you get older can also battle mental decline. If running isn’t ‘for you’, games such as the three-legged-race is a perfect place to start!
Whilst still reaping the incredible effects that running leaves on your mental health, it’s also a friendly, competitive and encouraging way to get you started.
A FLEXIBLE BODY = A FLEXIBLE MIND!
Yoga is known to be a form of physical exertion that induces relaxation and aids one to become more self-aware. Similar to other forms of physical exercise, breathing and body movements have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Besides the physical benefits in common with most exercise, yoga takes the mind-body connection that extra mile. A study found that a consistent yoga practice improved depression and led to a significant increase in serotonin levels.
It also improves focus as a major component of yoga includes focusing on the present and training your mind not to stray. The necessity for deep breaths and holding poses throughout relaxes the mind and body and is the ultimate way to de-stress.
THERES NO ‘I’ IN TEAM…
Physical activity and social connections are both important factors for a healthy mental state. For this reason, club/team sports are important in the treatment of some mental health disabilities.
Besides the known benefits of exercise, the social aspect allows support, teaches the importance of team-work and can calm a temper by learning to work with others.
There is also research that suggests people are more likely to keep up physical activity when it is combined with said social support. Studies show that emotional wellbeing is positively associated with the participation in team sports, particularly in adolescents aged 16-22.
