Improve Mental Health!

Let’s talk about mental health for a minute or two.  Mental health treatment is out of my scope of practice (I am not a doctor or a therapist; I don’t even play one on tv.).  That said, actual researchers have gathered data on the links between exercise and mental health.  Here’s what they have to say:

 

Cardio exercise improves mood.  Those of us who suffer from depression and anxiety can benefit from getting moving.  In some studies, cardio was as effective or more effective than antidepressants (please note:  do NOT stop taking medication without talking to a doctor.).  It is a helpful adjunct to whatever our healthcare providers suggest we do for our mental health.

 

Exercise also helps relieve stress.  Different kinds of exercise relieve it in different ways, in my experience.  Those of us who need to practice chilling out might want to go to Pilates or yoga.  Those with some aggression to burn might prefer cardio or weights.

 

Finally, that whole Juvenal (yes, I looked it up) healthy mind in a healthy body turns out to be true.  When our bodies are healthy, our minds feel better, too.

 

Go play.