To Your Health
April, 2023 (Vol. 17, Issue 04) |
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For Your Mental Health
By Editorial Staff
Mental health is increasingly recognized as equally – if not more – important than physical health in determining your overall health and well-being. Fortunately, the two are intimately connected, according to research: Incorporating more exercise into your daily routine can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Even better, exercise may work as well as standard approaches to managing mental health issues, including psychotherapy (counseling) and pharmacotherapy (medication).
A massive research review of previous studies, involving nearly 130,000 participants, suggests physical activity is a valuable tool for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress (including postpartum depression). Results can be seen in a fairly short time, with exercise interventions 12 weeks in length or shorter proving the most effective. Higher-intensity exercise also proved more beneficial than lower-intensity exercise, and all forms of physical activity studied proved effective, including aerobic, resistance, mixed-mode and yoga. Findings appear in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
In their introduction, the study authors note: "Mental health disorders are among the leading causes of the global health-related burden, with substantial individual and societal costs. In 2019, one in eight people (970 million) worldwide were affected by a mental health disorder and almost one in two (44%) will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime." In other words, mental health is a big issue – and according to their research review, exercise is the answer. Talk to your doctor if you're struggling with mental health issues and/or need assistance outlining an exercise routine.
