Exercise Has Mental Health Benefits
E XERC I SE & MENTAL HE ALTH
EXERCISE AND ADHD. Exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. EXERCISE AND PTSD AND TRAUMA. Evidence suggests that by really focusing on your body and how it feels as you exercise, you can actually help your nervous system become “unstuck” and begin to move out of the immobilization stress response that characterizes PTSD or trauma. Instead of thinking about other things, pay close attention to the physical sensations in your joints and muscles, even your insides as your body moves. Exercises that involve cross movement and that engage both arms and legs—such as walking (especially in sand), running, swimming, weight training, or dancing—are some of your best choices. Outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing (downhill and cross-country) have also been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. When you’re under the cloud of an emotional disorder and haven’t exercised for a long time, setting yourself extravagant goals like completing a marathon or working out for an hour every morning will only leave youmore despondent if you fall short. Better to set yourself achievable goals and build up from there.
Spring is the perfect time to start exercising outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. While some people are easily motivated to work out and take advantage of the spring season, many feel little motivation to even go outside for a morning run or walk, even to the point of feeling too depressed to go outside; however, exercise may just be the best medicine for this mind-set. Exercise is proven to promote mental health, helping relieve the effects of depression as well as anxiety, ADHD, and even PTSD and trauma. EXERCISE AND DEPRESSION. Maintaining an exercise schedule can prevent you from relapsing. It promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression. EXERCISE AND ANXIETY. Anything that gets you moving can help, but you’ll get a bigger benefit if you pay attention instead of zoning out. By adding this mindfulness element—really focusing on your body and how it feels as you exercise—you’ll not only improve your physical condition faster, but you may also be able to interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head.
www.fullpotentialpt.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online