Evidence has suggested that exercise may be an often-neglected intervention in mental health care. Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, have been proved to reduce anxiety and depression. These improvements in mood are proposed to be caused by exercise-induced increase in blood circulation to the brain and by an influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and, thus, on the physiologic reactivity to stress.
Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.
Health benefits from regular exercise include the following:
1. Improved sleep
2. Better endurance
3. Stress relief
4. Improvement in mood
5. Increased energy and stamina
6. Reduced tiredness that can increase mental alertness
7. Weight reduction
8. Reduced cholesterol and improved cardiovascular fitness
Exercise for Mental Health
Ashish Sharma, M.D., Vishal Madaan, M.D., and Frederick D. Petty, M.D., Ph.D.
References
Richardson CR, Faulkner G, and McDevitt J. et al. Integrating physical activity into mental health services for persons with serious mental illness.
There is still such a stigma around talking about mental illnesses, like anxiety and depression, many people keep their suffering a secret. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Illness shows 20% of young people ages 13 to 18 suffer from severe mental illness. According to Mental Health America, depression in teens is increasing at an "alarming" rate. Luckily, some professional athletes and celebs have opened up about their battles with mental illness to show that it can affect anyone.
Check out these celebs that have dealt and are dealing with mental illness.
Selena Gomez - Selena has been very open about her need to step away from the limelight to care for her mental health.
Justin Bieber - Justin Bieber spoke up about depression
Leonardo DiCaprio - American actor and film producer
Derrick Rose - American professional basketball player
Lane Johnson - Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champion
Aly Raisman - six-time Olympic Medalist
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - American actor, businessman, and former professional wrestler.
Michael Fred Phelps II - former competitive swimmer. He is the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals
Dan Reynolds - Imagine Dragons, Lead Singer
Kevin Love - American professional basketball player
Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
Carson Wentz - NFL Quarterback