In Support Of Mental Health Month, Let’s Talk About Exercise and Mental Health

Research suggests therapeutic exercise help regulate mood, sleep, libido, appetite and other psychological functions.  Exercise also increases our levels of endorphins which have “mood lifting” properties to decrease stress and anxiety. Regular exercise is effective in treating mild depression and also preventing the onset of depression.

Despite all these medically proven facts sadly exercise is often a neglected form of treatment for people who suffer from depression, stress and anxiety – despite it being as effective as pharmaceutical interventions.
So how can exercise therapy alleviate symptoms of depression?

  • Increases energy levels
  • Improves sleep patterns
  • Provides social support
  • Reduces loneliness
  • Distracts from worries, stressors and concerns
  • Increases sense of control and self esteem to give people an active role in their own wellbeing
  • Treats the symptoms of stress and anxiety by enhancing cognitive function, improving the body’s
    tolerance to physiological stressors and reduces the incidence of remission.

As well as helping people with depression, anxiety and stress, regular exercise can also assist people suffering from post-traumatic stress.

If you, or someone you know, suffers from a mental illness, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Body Smart to improve psychological health. Please call us on 1300 630 204 or 07 3015 0512.