Movement for Mental Health: The Profound Benefits of Exercise on Well-being

Movement for Mental Health: The Power of Exercise and Well-being

My mantra; “The true benefits of exercise are not seen on the scales or in the mirror.”

I wrote this as I reflect on why I actually exercise and what is really important. I have done some study over the years and here is some of the evidence to back up just how important exercise is to us.

Exercise's Impact on Anxiety and Mood & Long-Term Exercise Plans for Depression and Anxiety

Studies have shown that acute exercise for just 20-40 minutes improves anxiety and mood for several hours after. While long term exercise exercise plans show profound positive effects on those suffering with anxiety and depression.

Another study showed that individuals (who matched several physical and sociodemographic characteristics) who exercised regularly reported 43.2% less ‘poor mental health days’, which while sounding relatively broad, gives us a good understanding of the impact movement can have on your mental health.

My father suffered both anxiety and depression. He only told me on the day that he took his own life that he suffered from these things. Otherwise it was completely hidden to his most loved friends and family. Dad wasn’t fit and healthy, his sleep was out of sync, he was overworked and inconsistent with diet and exercise. I wish I had taken more time and energy to get him to prioritise these things to in turn improve the rest of this life.

Exercise as a Stressor and Reducing Harmful Effects

Another study displayed that while exercise itself can be a stressor on the body, it produces significant reduction in harmful effects of other stressors such as mental health issues and the ageing process. The study also depicts the overwhelming evidence in modern literature thats suggests exercise ensures successful brain function.

Building Consistent Exercise Structures for Improved Mental Health

It’s that feeling you get after an intense workout or run. The feel good factor is invigorating and almost always lifts your mood and energy. Creating a consistent exercise structure around whatever work and home life you have is so incredibly important to combat depression & anxiety. Being out of breath walking up the stairs, struggling to tie your shoelaces, not being able to keep up with the kids at the park. These things result in deep dissatisfaction with your life and within yourself. I strongly believe that while performing one workout isn’t the answer, joining a gym and creating a consistent and positive workout and nutrition structure, is up there with one of the best therapies you can have.

Exercise as a Therapy for a Positive Outlook on Life

Not only will your physical progress in the gym allow you to move with more freedom, less injury and greater strength, but you will begin to look at life more positively. Improvements in; daily mood, productivity, relationships both at home and work, cardiovascular (heart) health and lean muscle mass are a result of performing resistance training consistently. This means a decrease in levels of stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness, insomnia and fat mass.

You may have previously thought, “its just a workout”, but really it’s so much more than that.