In recent years, it has become widely accepted as common knowledge that exercising is a major factor in maintaining positive mental health. However, the reasons behind how exercise plays a role in increasing our mental well-being may not be nearly as clear.
Although the chemistry behind it is still largely understood, studies have shown that aerobic exercises that include jogging, swimming, and riding a bicycle will improve general mood. This elevation in mood is attributed not only to the release of endorphins (which positively affect mood), but also through increased blood circulation to the brain. Aerobic exercises also hold a positive influence on the limbic system (which controls motivation and mood), the amygdala (which deals with stress responses), and the hippocampus (which also deals with motivation, mood, and memory retention). As a result, aerobic exercise is directly linked to a reduction in the many issues that surround anxiety and depression. This includes stress, irritability and general mood. At the same time, exercising will help with mental alertness, overall energy levels, regulating sleeping patterns, self-efficacy, distraction, and social interaction – all of which further affect the general state of mind.
So what does this mean? If you are feeling stressed out, anxious, or just having a bad day – even 20 minutes of aerobic exercise will be enough to lift your spirits mentally. In the long run (pun intended), regular exercise will help prevent mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. If maintaining your physical health is not sufficient enough motivation to exercise, knowing that your choices can also positively affect your brain chemistry should be!
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15518309
http://www.livestrong.com/article/390773-how-exercise-alters-brain-chemistry/
