If you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, you’re probably aware of the recommendation to be more active. With our minds and bodies powerfully connected, physical activity can have an immediate impact on a person’s overall sense of well-being.
This is due in part to changes that take place in the brain during exercise. The so-called ‘runner’s high’ is caused by a potent cocktail of hormones – possibly including a neurotransmitter called anandamide, from the Sanskrit word for ‘bliss’. On top of this, staying active is likely to boost self-esteem, serve as a distraction from negative thought spirals, and improve your quality of sleep.
Of course, exercise is no more a ‘cure’ for mental health problems than it is for physical ones. However, many people find that physical activity is an essential part of managing their condition.
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