Physical fitness and mental health are closely interconnected, with numerous studies highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on mental well-being. Here’s a summary of the key points from the search results:
Benefits of Physical Activity on Mental Health:
Physical activity has been shown to help with sleep and improve various psychiatric disorders. It is associated with a better mood, improved quality of life, and may help in the management of cravings for substances .
Exercise has significant positive effects on mental health and social well-being, impacting every facet of life. It plays a significant role in emotional and cognitive well-being .
Studies show that low or moderate intensity exercise is enough to make a difference in terms of mood and thinking patterns. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing mental illness and help in treating conditions like depression and anxiety .
When individuals exercise, they not only receive physical benefits but also mental benefits. Mentally, exercising improves mood and provides a sense of well-being .
Evidence suggests that physical activity is a protective factor against mental health problems such as depression. Low cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength have a significant association with worse mental health .
Specific Mental Health Conditions:
Roughly half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Exercise is not a substitute for mental health treatment when needed, but it does play a significant role in emotional and cognitive well-being .
Studies have shown that physical activity reduces symptoms of depression in both children and adults, and it also reduces symptoms of anxiety in adults and older adults .
Considerations for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions:
Individuals with mental health conditions may need to consider factors that affect the amount or type of physical activity they can do, such as regular medication.