How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health?

When most people think of exercise, they think only of the physical benefits, such as better flexibility, greater strength or increased speed. What most people don’t realize is that exercise also can affect one’s mental health. Through regular exercise not only can we feel better physically, but we can also improve our mental well being.

Exercise can help improve our body image, thus raising our self-esteem. The mere act of doing something we set our minds to can also provide a sense of self accomplishment, making us feel better about ourselves. Had a bad day at work? Take it out on a treadmill.  Research has proven that exercise is a great stress reliever and provides us with a distraction to get away from our daily problems. 

Yoga, spinning and aerobics are often done in a group setting, providing you with the chance to catch up with friends or meet new ones.  Group exercise can provide social interaction that can counteract isolation and loneliness, thus boosting your mental health.

Exercise is also proven to boost serotonin and endorphin levels, chemicals in the brain that produce a feeling of well-being. A “runner’s high” occurs when endorphins are released during a long, rigorous workout. While the main purpose of these molecules can be to block pain, a euphoric byproduct is also produced, similar to that of morphine. Serotonin is also increased with exercise, which has a direct correlation to happiness levels. Low levels of serotonin are related to depression; therefore, exercise can help counteract sadness.   

While exercise can help promote a better mental health state, it is important to note that it is generally not a cure for mental illness.  See your doctor to decide how to incorporate exercise into your treatment regimen.