Exercise, Depression, and Mental Health: The Benefits of Moving Your Body

October is National Depression Awareness Month. Depression is a serious mood disorder that millions of Americans struggle with. It’s characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest or motivation. Those who suffer from depression know that it can make one lose interest in simple daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, doing dishes, or spending time with loved ones. There are a myriad of things that might help a person who is suffering with depression (or other mental health illnesses). Exercise is one way to put feel-good chemicals into the body that could help reduce depressive symptoms. A study that appeared in The Lancet Psychiatry medical journal found that the average person has 3.4 poor mental health days a month. For those that exercised regularly, that number dropped by more than 40 percent. Another study that specifically focused on depression found that walking for just 20 to 40 minutes on a treadmill had a clear reduction in depression in the study’s participants.

The evidence is clear, but there’s still the question, “Why does exercise help a person’s mental health?” There are a few reasons:

1. Release of feel-good endorphins
2. It helps get the mind off of ruminating or worrying
3. Builds confidence
4. Allows one to cope in a healthy way

Let’s break those down:

1. Release of feel-good endorphins

Most people know that exercise releases feel-good chemicals called “endorphins.” But what exactly are endorphins, and why do they make you feel good? Endorphins are just chemicals your body releases when it feels pain or stress. It’s your body’s way of trying to survive. One of the easiest and most effective ways to release endorphins is by exercise. Ever had a good workout, or even just a nice walk and felt really good after? Those are your endorphins at work. Studies have shown that this “feel-good” experience helps lower depression and anxiety. These chemicals can be released from any form of exercise, so figure out what it is you most enjoy as a workout. Your brain and body will thank you!

2. It helps get the mind off of ruminating or worrying

Although sometimes it may be difficult to do when in a depressive or anxious state, getting up and participating in an activity helps break the negative thought cycle of rumination and worry. This also includes activities that aren’t exercise, but exercise offers those extra benefits we mentioned earlier. Getting up and getting moving focuses your attention on something else and breaks any recurring negative thought patterns that arise from dealing with depression and anxiety.

3. Builds confidence

It’s no secret that going to the gym builds confidence. One well-known reason is because losing weight and building muscle results in a more positive body image. Another less obvious reason: exercising boosts energy and helps you feel better physically. This indirectly results in more productivity outside the gym. Those who exercise regularly often report feeling more focused at work and more motivated in their everyday life. This increased motivation, in the gym and in other areas of life, helps restore issues with self-image and feelings of hopelessness.

4. Allows one to cope in a healthy way

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, exercise allows you to to cope with depression, anxiety, and stress in a healthy way. Whether it’s running, lifting weights, a sport, or yoga, getting your body moving in a way that you deem fit offers an outlet that not only gets your mind off of life stressors, but also offers numerous health benefits. We all need ways to cope with the stressors of life, and doing an activity you enjoy that boosts endorphins, confidence, and that acts as an outlet is a great way to cope without resorting to unhealthy behaviors. Exercise allows you to look after your mental health in a way that also benefits your physical health, which is why it’s so important.

At West Coast Wellness, we’re here to help you with information regarding all areas of wellness, including mental health concerns. As illustrated in this post, physical and mental well-being are very closely tied together. If one is struggling, it’s easier for the other to start struggling as well. That being said, exercise is not a replacement for medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, please talk to a medical professional. Exercise is great and has been proven to help mental health, but it does not replace advice from a doctor or therapist.