Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

A person who is mentally healthy is able to handle life's challenges, recognize their

skills, learn and function well in the workplace, and give back to their community. It is a

fundamental human right. And it's essential for socioeconomic, communal, and personal

growth. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects

how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and

make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and

adolescence through adulthood.

Depression is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of

pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. It is different from regular mood

changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including

relationships with family, friends, and the community. It can result in or lead to problems at

school and at work.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry and related

behavioral disturbances. Symptoms are severe enough to result in significant distress or

impairment in functioning. There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, such as

generalized anxiety disorder (characterized by excessive worry), panic disorder

(characterized by panic attacks), social anxiety disorder (characterized by excessive fear and

worry in social situations), separation anxiety disorder (characterized by excessive fear or

anxiety about separation from those individuals to whom the person has a deep emotional

bond), and others.

 Physical activity is any movement involving the skeletal muscles of the body that

requires a net energy expenditure. All movement, whether done for recreation, transportation

to and from locations, or as part of a person's job, is considered physical exercise. Both

vigorous and moderate physical activity are beneficial to health.

Exercise is an excellent stress reliever because it is a natural mood-lifter. Regular

physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. You know that "feel-good

sensation" you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a happy pill with no side

effects! Most people notice they feel better over time as physical activity becomes a regular

part of their lives. It keeps you physically fit, and without regular activity, your body slowly

loses its strength, stamina, and ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying: you don’t

stop moving from growing old; you grow old from stopping moving. Exercise increases

muscle strength, which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities. It helps

keep the doctor away, so stand up when you eat an apple a day! Too much sitting and other

sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that

adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day have an 80% higher risk of death

from cardiovascular disease. Exercise boosts mental health by reducing anxiety, depression,

and depressive symptoms, as well as by boosting self-esteem and increasing cognitive

abilities. Exercise is beneficial since it has been shown to improve symptoms including low

self-esteem and social withdrawal.