The Astounding Benefits of Physical Activity on Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it affects how people think, feel, and act. It encompasses various aspects of life, including emotional resilience, the ability to manage stress, build and maintain relationships, make decisions, and cope with life's challenges. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Good mental health doesn't mean the absence of mental health challenges or disorders; rather, it involves the ability to cope with life's stresses, work productively, contribute to one's community, and make meaningful connections with others.
Mental health conditions or disorders are disruptions in thinking, feeling, behavior, or a combination of these, which can lead to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many others.
Promoting mental health involves creating supportive environments, fostering resilience, addressing stigma and discrimination, and providing access to appropriate mental health care and services. It's an integral part of overall health, and taking care of mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health. If someone is experiencing mental health challenges, seeking professional help from mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors, can be beneficial.
Physical Activity
Mental health and physical activity are closely interconnected, and engaging in regular physical activity can have numerous positive effects on mental well-being. For example, release of neurotransmitters, stress reduction, improved sleep, enhanced cognitive function, more social interaction, boosted confidence, improve mood regulation, and overall brain health.
Physical activity is defined as all bodily movement that requires energy. It includes leisure activities such as walking, cycling and even just playing... This would mean we're all physically fit for the the most part, right? The answer is No.
1 in 4 adults and 81% of adolescents do not get the recommended amount of physical activity.
Why is this important?... Because people who do not get enough physical activity have a 20-30% increased risk of death compared to those who are sufficiently active.
Regular physical activity is related to benefits such as improved cognitive health and sleep, improved mental health, decreased risk for type II diabetes, as well as as a decreased risk for certain cancers and death from heart disease, etc.
It's important to note that the relationship between physical activity and mental health is complex, and individual experiences may vary. While exercise can be beneficial for mental health, it's not a substitute for professional treatment in cases of mental health disorders. People should consult with healthcare providers if they are experiencing significant mental health challenges. Additionally, individuals should choose physical activities that they enjoy to make it more sustainable and enjoyable.
A New Journey Awaits
