Exercise 4 Mental Health
Stress, Anxiety and Depression symptoms are often improved with exercise. As such GP’s are likely to recommend exercise as part of a mental health plan. The hardest part about exercising with SASness is getting the motivation to get along to the first session; but when you get motivated exercise can make a big difference.
Exercise can help stress, anxiety and depression in a number of ways which may include:
- Releasing “feel-good” brain chemicals that may ease depression
- Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
- Increasing body temperature which may have calming effects
- Gaining Confidence by meeting exercise goals and challenges, even small ones, can boost your self confidence.
- Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression
- Get more social interaction by attending our classes. Just exchanging a friendly smile can help lift your mood.
- Cope in a healthy way by doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression.
Did you know that research has shown that performing 20 minutes each day of low intensity exercise is more effective at managing depression than Prozac.
