Most people when they first hear the phrase mental health they often think of self-care and potentially different types of disorders. Mental Health as defined by the American Psychological Association is “the way your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect your life”. Mental health is something that impacts our lives and others every day in positive or negative ways depending on your mental health status. Mental health is also impacted by physical activity levels and can oftentimes be improved from just one small bout of exercise.
Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
While mental health is the overarching term referring to how we feel overall any mental illness, defined by the National Institute of Mental Health is; “a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder…[that] can vary in impact”. Mental illnesses vary in severity and are dependent on the person’s symptoms.
Millions of people are living with some form of mental illness and are going through life walking on eggshells. Seeking psychological help and sometimes medication are the main treatments for mental illness, physical activity along with these other treatments can help reduce symptoms by improving physical and mental wellbeing.
Exercise and Mental Health
Exercise is known for increasing endorphin levels in the brain which are a group of neurotransmitters that reduce pain and make you feel good overall. By using exercise alone or with other forms of therapy has helped reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and other disorders. According to Gourgouvelis and Yielder, exercise has “shown to improve cognitive function and sleep quality” which are common symptoms of major depressive disorder and can improve the lives of those living with this disorder. Activities as simple and fun as dancing can improve mental health by encouraging social interactions and friendships. Many mental disorders, like anxiety, lead to lower health-related quality of life so by incorporating exercise therapy into people’s treatment plans their overall wellness can be improved.
Food for Thought 