Health - The Positive Effects of Working Out for Mental Health

Have you ever felt an unexplainable good feeling after a workout or run? Well there's actually some science behind it. Mood enhancing chemicals called endorphins are released into your blood stream during and after exercise. Endorphins are also known as our body's natural painkillers and are responsible for the 'feel good' factor we often feel after exercise. Exercise also reduces the level of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline in the body. 

It's a known fact that people who are inactive are up to twice as likely to have depressive symptoms than active people. According to the Mental Health Foundation, physical activity is effective in the treatment of depression and can be just as successful as psychotherapy or medication, more effective long term. It may also help people with anxiety disorders, phobias, panic attacks and stress disorders. In fact, it seems regular exercise can enhance the quality of life for most people with a mental illness. 
What else does science have to say? According to researchers at the University of Vermont, the mood benefits of just 20 minutes of exercise can last up to 12 hours. The psychological benefits of physical activity can improve your self esteem, providing a sense of control over life, introducing a feeling of personal achievement, help with weight control (which also falls into self esteem) and opens to doors to meeting new like-minded friends.

Key Points

• Exercising increases endorphins (our body's natural painkiller) and reduces stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. 
• Physical activity can be just as successful as psychotherapy or medication.
• The mood benefits of just 20 minutes of exercise can last up to 12 hours.
• Psychological benefits of exercise may include: improved self esteem, a sense of control over life and a feeling of personal achievement. 

Tips

• Exercising outdoors compared to indoors makes us feel more revitalized, energetic, engaged and overall much happier. 
• Participating in group exercises or team sports help make exercise feel like less work and more fun.
• Try listening to music while exercising to make things more fun. You may also find listening to motivating music helpful.
• All forms of exercise helps us feel good including weight training and cardio. Yoga and Tai Chi also relax the mind, body and relieve stress.