Constellation of both mental and physical health is key to overall wellness. As the famous Latin phrase goes, ‘Mens sana in corpore sano,’ meaning ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body,’ insinuates the symbiotic relationship between physical fitness and mental health. Most recently, there’s an increasing interest in the way these two strands of health interweave, and in particular, the role of exercise as therapy for improving mental health.
So, what exactly is exercise therapy, and how does it benefit mental health? Exercise on a broader perspective is any physical activity that stimulates various body systems, enhances health and fitness, and heals or prevents the onset of diseases. Exercise therapy, however, seamlessly melds aspects of physical therapy and exercise to enhance mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. It is nowadays progressively taking center stage in enhancing mental health; as we grapple with stress, anxiety, depression, and a host of mental disorders that continue to plague the human race.
It is important to note that exercise therapy is not merely an alternative but a complementary treatment for mental health disorders. It often works ideally in conjunction with prescribed medications and counseling. There’s accumulating evidence suggesting that physically active people are at a lower risk of developing mental health disorders and, conversely, people with mental health disorders who exercise regularly show marked improvements.
The Psychology Behind Exercise and Mental Health
Traditionally, exercise has been believed to cause the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which, according to the ‘endorphin hypothesis,’ are responsible for the commonly reported positive mood post-exercising. However, recent studies indicate that this might not be the dominant mechanism through which exercise improves mental health.
Exercise’s effect on the brain is far-reaching. It stimulates the growth of new brain cells and prevents the aging of existing ones, enhancing an individual’s cognitive function and memory. This in turn leads to improved thought patterns, reduced feelings of anxiety, improved sleep, and a general sense of wellbeing. Furthermore, the realization of exercise-related goals, be it weight loss, muscle gain, or simply being fit, boosts self-esteem tremendously.
Benefits of Exercise Therapy on Mental Health
Reduced Anxiety: Exercise works as a natural anxiety treatment. It leads to reduced sensitivity to the body’s physiological reactions to anxiety, coupled with a reduction in worry and rumination.
Improved Mood and Reduced Depression: Exercise has significant antidepressant properties. Regular physical activity has been linked to overall mood improvements and reduced depressive symptoms.
Better Sleep: Regular physical activity helps you sleep better by improving sleep quality and increasing sleep duration. Good sleep is paramount as it aids in stress regulation, leading to better mental health.
Cognitive Improvement: Exercise improves cognitive functions and memory. It enhances mental agility and concentration, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia.
Stress Relief: Exercise serves as a productive outlet for releasing negative emotions and stress. It offers significant therapeutic effects for people dealing with chronic stress situations, leading to better mental resiliency.
Conclusion
It’s evident that exercise therapy provides enormous mental health benefits and can often complement traditional mental health treatment. Exercise is an affordable, practical, and natural approach with countless physical benefits along with pronounced mental health improvements. As our understanding of the human brain progresses and we continue to study and connect the dots between physical activity and mental health, exercise therapy’s potential in the realm of mental health is promising.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can exercise replace medication or therapy for mental health conditions?
While exercise can greatly improve mental health, it is not a replacement for medical treatments or psychotherapy. Always consult with a healthcare provider for the best treatment strategy.
2. How much exercise is recommended for mental health benefits?
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week, spread across the week. However, any physical activity can be beneficial.
3. What type of exercises are recommended for mental health?
Any activity that gets you moving, raises your heart rate, and makes you feel good can benefit your mental health. This could include activities such as walking, running, yoga, swimming, or dancing.
4. What if I’m not in the mood or too depressed to exercise?
Starting with small, manageable steps may help. Even a short, 10-minute walk can improve your mood. Gradually increase the duration or intensity as your energy levels improve.
