Have you ever stopped to consider how your physical activity can shape your mentality?
The connection between your body and mind is profound, and research validates such.
According to a meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Psychiatry that included 49 studies with data from more than 260,000 individuals, people with higher physical activity levels are less likely to develop depression. Harvard University reports that one in five teens experience depression by 17.
Regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins (endorphins are natural brain chemicals that improve your sense of well-being).
Physical activity is also a perfect antidote for anxiety, it reduces stress and increases energy levels.
Exercise can also improve your overall well-being. In a report done by The National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are estimated to be found in 31.9% of teens. Increasing your physical activity will build the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.
This function is often referred to as a runner’s high. Any aerobic activity—such as a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike—can contribute to this same feeling.
In an article done by Daniel Preiato, he mentions that exercise is a top non-pharmaceutical ADHD treatment, as it can promote dopamine release—which acts on areas of the brain to give people feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation—and improve executive function.
In children with ADHD, it has been shown to improve attention and decrease aggression and impulsiveness.
Moreover, physical activity has shown promise in managing sleep disorders like insomnia.
Sleep is way more important than people imagine, and to be physically active, sleep is important so your body functions properly.
Dozens of articles published by the National Institutes of Health show that physical activity was positively associated with sleep quality, which indicates that physical activities improve sleep quality. One study also reported that insufficient physical activity is associated with poor sleep quality, sleep disturbances, less than seven-hour sleep duration, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction.
Moderate to vigorous physical activity can decrease the risk of excessive weight gain, which in turn makes that person less likely to experience symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Roughly 60% of moderate to severe OSA cases have been attributed to obesity, although the research is complex.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the amount of physical activity in a day is 30-60 minutes for teens. Teens could use that time walking or doing something productive.
According to the mental health foundation, a 10 minute brisk walk can improve your mental alertness, energy and mood.
Find ways to get active to improve both your mental and physical health.
