Can exercise / movement help with Anxiety and Depression?

Did you know that exercise can make your brain happy? It's true! Moving your body isn't just good for your muscles. It can also help you feel better in your mind. Let's talk about how exercise can help your mental health.

When you exercise, your brain makes special chemicals that make you feel good.

These chemicals can help you:

1. Feel less sad or worried

2. Think more clearly

3. Sleep better at night

4. Have more energy

5. Feel more confident

   
   

You don't have to do hard exercises to get these benefits. Even walking, dancing, or playing outside can help.

The best types of exercise for mental health are:

1. Running, swimming, or biking

2. Team sports like soccer or basketball, Tennis/other racket sports

3. Stretching

   
   

Try to move your body for about 30 minutes every day. You can split this into shorter times if you want. The important thing is to find activities you enjoy and do them often.

Two studies have shown that exercise can be even better than medicine for some mental health problems:

1. A study from the University of South Australia found that exercise was 1.5 times more effective than counseling or medicine for managing depression.

2. Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that running was just as good as antidepressants for treating depression and anxiety.

   
   

Remember, moving your body is good for your mind. So get out there and have fun while making your brain happy!

Best wishes,

References:

1. University of South Australia. (2023). Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health.

2. Abdallah, C. G., et al. (2023). Comparative effects of running exercise vs escitalopram on anxiety and depression. Journal of Affective Disorders.

3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression.

   
   

Stay happy and healthy