Teagan O'Brien,
It’s well-known that exercise releases chemicals that make us feel good, but how can that affect our mental well-being?
Well, exercise stimulates hormones called endorphins around our brain. Endorphins are also known as "runner's high", and they make us feel happy and can improve our mood drastically.Endorphins reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise also helps you sleep better and a good night's sleep can help deal with any problems throughout the day.
Another chemical which affects our mood is serotonin. Serotonin impacts everything! Especially your moods because it stabilizes them. This chemical helps with sleeping, eating and digestion too. It’s main attribute is that it reduces anxiety and depression. In fact people with low levels of Serotonin are more likely to have depression, anxiety and various forms of insomnia.
Aerobic exercise have been proven to reduce mental illness. Aerobic exercises include jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening and dancing. Many researchers have put this down to the adrenaline rush - as well as the endorphins. It is recommended that adults get 30 minutes of exercise a day. The American Psychological Association have even said more psychologists should use exercise as a treatment method for their patients suffering from mental illnesses.
Other things that can have a positive effect on mental health is owning a pet, and being generous.
By Teagan O'Brien
It’s well-known that exercise releases chemicals that make us feel good, but how can that affect our mental well-being?
Well, exercise stimulates hormones called endorphins around our brain. Endorphins are also known as "runner's high", and they make us feel happy and can improve our mood drastically.Endorphins reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise also helps you sleep better and a good night's sleep can help deal with any problems throughout the day.
Another chemical which affects our mood is serotonin. Serotonin impacts everything! Especially your moods because it stabilizes them. This chemical helps with sleeping, eating and digestion too. It’s main attribute is that it reduces anxiety and depression. In fact people with low levels of Serotonin are more likely to have depression, anxiety and various forms of insomnia.
Aerobic exercise have been proven to reduce mental illness. Aerobic exercises include jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening and dancing. Many researchers have put this down to the adrenaline rush - as well as the endorphins. It is recommended that adults get 30 minutes of exercise a day. The American Psychological Association have even said more psychologists should use exercise as a treatment method for their patients suffering from mental illnesses.
Other things that can have a positive effect on mental health is owning a pet, and being generous.
By Teagan O'Brien