Every San Diego psychiatrist will recommend exercise included in the treatment for mental health disorders. Exercise is not only about moving your muscles and increasing aerobic capacity but it is also about improving your all around health and well-being.
There are tremendous benefits that exercise has on mental health. The following are some of the benefits of exercise on various mental health problems.
Depression
Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on depression just like powerful as an antidepressant. The good news is that you avoid all the ill negative effects of such medication.
Physical movement initiates the discharge of many chemical compounds in the brain including endorphins which are the hormones associated with positive feelings. Exercise can also help enhance feelings of positivity and well-being from completing challenging tasks.
Exercise is also a distraction which means that you do not focus on your depression for part of the day.
Anxiety
Physical exercise has also been proven to alleviate anxiety in mental health patients. The way that exercise does so is by assisting you relieve tension both physically and mentally, boosting energy in both spheres.
It is tough to be anxious when you are concentrating on running or on playing an enjoyable sport like football. You'll be entirely focused on the activity that will reduce the focus you place on your worries.
When you are exercising, additionally you release feel-good hormones that leave you feeling great and not anxious afterward.
Stress
When you are stressed, your body is generally within lot of tension. You tend to feel the tension in your muscles but it may also be manifested as pain.
You may also have other physical symptoms for example stomachaches, diarrhea, and insomnia. Having these symptoms will further exacerbate the stress you feel.
Exercise is important for your mental health in connection with this as it will help you relieve the strain in your muscles by working them out. It is impossible to focus on stress when you are engaged in a physical activity that is pushing your muscles to the limit.
Once you're done exercising, both the mind and body should feel less stressed.
ADHD
The the signs of ADHD include reduced concentration, lower energy levels, and poor memory. Exercise might help alleviate all of the above symptoms.
Physical activity requires concentration if you are to avoid any injury. The harmful chemicals released in the brain during exercise should assist with concentration.
Exercise will also boost your energy levels and elevate your mood all while making you fitter and stronger.
PTSD and Trauma
PTSD is among the most debilitating mental disorders you could have. It takes a lot to get over such trauma.
Physical being active is a key ingredient in overcoming PTSD. Trauma patients end up finding themselves as stuck and physical movement is among the best ways to get 'unstuck'.
Exercising outdoors is especially great for trauma patients as there are major mental benefits to receiving sunshine and outdoors. Learning to interact with others and accept yourself again is one of the benefits that comes from exercising regularly which helps overcome trauma resulting in better mental health.
