Physical Activities and Mental Health

"When you exercise, it increases endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and endocannabinoid — these are all brain chemicals associated with feeling happy, feeling confident, feeling capable, feeling less anxiety and stress, and even less physical pain".

- Dr. Kelly McGonical

 

 

 

 

Physical activity is not a cure for mental illness(es) but making it a part of your routine can be one of the many ways you positively impact your mental health.  

 

What is Physical Activity

Last week on Something and Sentiments we examined Art and Mental Health. To continue on the topic of the relationship between creative activities and mental health, we will dive into the world of physical activity. Moreover, we will analyze physical activity and mental health's relationship. Physical activity "is defined as any voluntary bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure" (Wiki 2022). Thus, any bodily movement that is done for a set time, such as running or dancing, is a form of physical activity. Exercising and working out are just some of the synonyms for the act and the term physical activity.

 

The History of Physical Activity and Mental Health

 

I may have given the definition as well as synonyms for physical activity as if people are not familiar with the term. Nevertheless, we all know it is not a new concept. Physical activity can be traced back to the beginning of time. However, in the National Library of Medicine article NCBI A History of Physical Activity, Health, and Medicine the first use of physical activity for medical reasons was done by Chinese surgeon Hua To around 2500 B.C. The article is a 4-page excerpt that discusses the history of physical activity and medical use in many cultures such as Asian, Greek, Roman, etc. Additionally, the article mentions that the martial art style Kung Fu was initially used as medical gymnastics.

 

How Does Physical Activity affect Mental Health

 

So have you ever wondered why some doctors will recommend a patient struggling mentally or emotionally to exercise alongside other prescriptions? Well, when a brain releases too much or too little serotonin and cortisol  just two of its many hormones it can contribute to a plethora of mental health conditions, for example, depression and anxiety. Therefore, physical activities such as walking or biking "can release endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and endocannabinoid...these are all brain chemicals associated with feeling happy, feeling confident, feeling capable, feeling less anxiety and stress, and even less physical pain" (Dr. Kelly McGonical). The Mental Health Foundation article Physical Activity and Mental Health states how physical activity can reduce stress and increase appetite or the level of motivation. The article also provides tips for how someone can get started with exercising to benefit an individual's mental health. Additionally, the article advises those that want to workout but may experience certain symptoms from mental illness(es) or have other health conditions and are taking specific medications.

 

Physical Activity, Mental Health and Georgia

 

Maybe you're like me and do not enjoy working out but instead prefer dancing. Nonetheless, finding a physical activity that interests you as well as does not aggravate your mental illness(es) or other health conditions can sometimes be difficult. Thus, choosing from the gyms in your area or a center that offers a sport you may enjoy is a great way to introduce or keep physical activity in your life. On the contrary, the journey to finding a physical activity for yourself also can be money-consuming. Hence, working out at home, whether in Georgia or wherever you are located, can be the cheapest and funniest option for you. Here are some dancing videos on YouTube that can definitely get the heart racing and reduce stress in the comfort of your home:

 

 

After reading this post, do you think physical activity can positively affect your mental health? What are some physical activities or sports that you enjoy? What are some physical activities or sports that you do not enjoy?

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CC Attribution: 

"Basketball" by mvongrue is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. 

"Y-City Gymnastics Meet - February 2017" by secondtree is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

"gumboot dance" by jima is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

"Dance" by Juliana Chong is licensed under CC BY 2.0. 

"West Highland Way running" by Robin McConnell is licensed under CC BY 2.0.