Exercise is a regular part of a healthy lifestyle. Moving our bodies is an important part of our cardiorespiratory health, improving bone density, and reducing the risk of developing various diseases including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and certain cancers. Studies have shown that human beings may have an innate drive to move based on attaining needs and restoring homeostasis. This reflects early human’s survival instincts needing that movement to hunt and gather food, travel to more equitable locations, and escape predators. With the advancement of technology, the opportunity for movement has decreased, but our bodies still crave it as a way to optimize our health. This optimization is not only a physical one but a mental one as well.
Research shows that exercise has a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. To understand this one must know the importance of the mind-body connection. This is the idea that physical and mental health are not independent of each other but intertwined with each system impacting the other. One can see this connection when looking at the biochemical changes occurring in the brain during physical activity. During exercise the flow of the blood to the brain increases (oxygen and glucose delivery is enhanced), there is a rapid increase in neurons (the messengers), and the neuroplasticity of the brain is improved (the ability to form connections). This means exercise for the body is also exercise for your brain making it work more efficiently. An efficient working brain is more apt to handle stressors.
Along with working more efficiently, exercise releases the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins that assist in improving mental health in various ways. Endorphins are released to eliminate pain and can create a sense of euphoria which some have referred to as “runner’s high”. Serotonin is released enhancing mood. Norepinephrine is released improving attention. Dopamine is released improving motivation, focus, and learning. Exercise also helps the brain get rid of the chemicals that make you feel stressed and anxious which include adrenaline and cortisol. These chemical changes have been seen in different studies of various populations highlighting the improvements a person can see when incorporating exercise into their routine. Research showed exercise improved attention in ADHD children, depressed adults had an increase in positive mood scores, and individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder had fewer symptoms and a decrease in probability of panic attacks. More tangible statistics show exercise improves daily energy, ability to fall asleep, sleep quality, and focus.
One can see the great impact exercise can have on your mental health when incorporated into your daily routine. Studies have shown that in some cases exercise is as effective as antidepressants. Although I do not see it as a replacement, I think the added benefits exercise can offer anyone’s mental health treatment are worthy of prescription.
About Erin Cuomo:
Erin is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, PLLC. She graduated from Argosy University with her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and her undergraduate degree in Psychology is from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Erin believes in a client-centered counseling experience with an emphasis on the power of the therapeutic alliance. She believes everyone has the capacity to understand their issues and the ability to improve their mental health. To learn more about Erin, visit HERE.