PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Benefits of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of chronic disease, improve cognitive function, and lead to better sleep. Regular activity also impacts mental health: exercise can increase mood, fend off anxiety, fight depression.
When looking to increase your daily movement, start small and build slowly. Consider activities that you already enjoy and can do with others. Dancing, playing catch, and walking the dog are all great ways to get started. Want to sustain the habit? Think about how you feel after exercise to increase awareness of the mood-boost effects of moving.
Health Effects of Regular Activity
A review of the literature on the mental health impacts of physical activity has found the following effects for children and adolescents:
Depression - physical activity is shown to cause a reduction in depression
Anxiety - physical activity is associated with reduced anxiety
Self-esteem - physical activity is associated with increased self-esteem
Cognitive Functioning - physical activity has been shown to cause an increase in cognitive performance
Source Credit: Biddle, Ciaccioni, Thomas & Vergeer, 2019
Disclaimer: The links below are purely for educational and entertainment purposes and are not intended as psychological interventions or as a substitute for psychological treatment. If you are in need of psychological help you should seek the consultation of a licensed mental health professional.