How Daily Activity Boosts Mental Health
There are countless physical benefits of physical activity, and many are surprised to know that our mental health is largely impacted by daily movement in similar ways. Studies show that with regular exercise comes immense psychological improvements in cognitive ability, self-esteem, and a reduction in depression and anxiety amongst many other mental health concerns (Mahindru et al., 2023).
3 Ways Movement Enhances Mood, Sleep, and Self-Esteem
- A natural brain booster
Exercise promotes the production of the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, dopamine and serotonin, which has been shown to improve mood (American Psychological Association, 2020). As a muscle, the brain is exercised to respond more adaptively to stress via physical activity (American Psychological Association, 2020). When we are less active, our brain becomes foreign to managing the stress response (American Psychological Association, 2020), thus reducing our ability to emotionally regulate. - Provides a sense of accomplishment
One of the many treatment approaches for depression is promoting a sense of accomplishment, and committing to an exercise class or following through on a daily walk can ignite a sense of achievement and purpose (American Psychological Association, 2020). When we feel accomplished, we are more likely to see the effects in other areas of our lives, thus creating habits that directly influence our mental health. - Improves sleep hygiene
Sleep deprivation is a significant contributor to poor mental health outcomes (Morin et al., 2021). In fact, at the beginning of COVID-19, one study found a link between poor sleep and higher psychological challenges (Morin et al., 2021). Many studies suggest that regular exercise increases sleep quality, which in turn promotes positive mental health outcomes (Mahindru et al., 2023).
The Mental Health Benefits of Movement
3 Ways Movement Enhances Mood, Sleep, and Self-Esteem
There are countless physical benefits of physical activity, and many are surprised to know that our mental health is largely impacted by daily movement in similar ways. Studies show that with regular exercise comes immense psychological improvements in cognitive ability, self-esteem, and a reduction in depression and anxiety amongst many other mental health concerns (Mahindru et al., 2023).
Your monthly check-in:
- How do you implement movement into your daily routine? (Tip: Combining other feel-good approaches, like soaking in vitamin D from the sun while on your daily walk, can do wonders for your mental health!)
- What is your go-to physical activity and why?
- Reflect on how you feel before and after exercise. What do you notice?
References
Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus, 15(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9902068/
Morin, C, M., Bjorvatn, B., Chung, F., Holzinger, B., Partinen, M., Penzel, T., Ivers, H., Wing, Y, K., Chan, N, Y., Merikanto, I., Mota-Rolim, S., Macedo, T., De Gennaro, L., Leger, D., Dauvilliers, Y., Plazzi, G., Nadroff, M. R., Bolstad, C., Sieminski, M., Benedict, C., & Espie, C, A. (202). Insomnia, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international collaborative study. Sleep Medicine, 87, 38-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.07.035
“Working out boosts brain health”. (2020). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stress
