When
I
first
started
hearing
about
how
exercise
could
affect
both
body
and
mind,
I
was
skeptical.
Could
something
as
simple
as
moving
around
more
really
change
the
way
we
feel
or
think?
Turns
out,
the
answer
is
a
resounding
yes.
After
reading
the
research
that
was
my
main
source
for
this
article,
I’ve
discovered
that
movement
is
a
powerful
tool
for
improving
both
mental
and
physical
health.
Today
I’ll
talk
about
how
we
can
make
it
work
for
us
and
use
all
of
the
benefits
movement
can
provide.
What
Happens
to
Your
Brain
When
You
Move?
Movement
triggers
something
called
neurogenesis—the
growth
of
new
brain
cells.
You’ve
probably
heard
of
a
“runner’s
high,”
right?
That
euphoric
feeling
some
people
get
after
a
good
jog
isn’t
just
folklore.
Exercise
releases
chemicals
like
endorphins
and
serotonin,
which
help
improve
mood
and
reduce
stress.
Think
of
it
as
your
brain’s
way
of
saying,
“Thank
you
for
taking
care
of
me!”
But
that’s
not
all.
Movement
triggers
something
called
neurogenesis—the
growth
of
new
brain
cells.
It
also
strengthens
connections
between
existing
cells
and
reduces
inflammation
in
the
brain.
These
changes
improve
focus,
memory,
and
overall
mental
clarity.
For
those
of
us
battling
depression
or
anxiety,
this
can
be
a
game
changer.
Exercise
and
Mental
Health
When
life
feels
overwhelming,
exercise
might
be
the
last
thing
you
want
to
do.
I’ve
been
there.
But
science
is
pretty
clear:
regular
movement
reduces
symptoms
of
anxiety
and
depression.
Exercise
disrupts
negative
thought
patterns.
It’s
hard
to
overthink
when
your
body
is
in
motion,
your
breathing
deepens,
and
your
focus
shifts
to
the
task
at
hand.
Physical
activity
also
improves
sleep
patterns
and
boosts
self-esteem—two
areas
that
mental
health
struggles
often
affect.
For
those
dealing
with
conditions
like
schizophrenia,
exercise
does
more
than
just
lift
spirits.
Research
shows
that
regular
physical
activity
can
reduce
negative
symptoms,
improve
thinking
skills,
and
boost
overall
well-being.
While
it’s
not
a
standalone
treatment,
it
can
complement
medication
and
therapy,
making
day-to-day
life
feel
a
little
more
manageable.
Ever
Heard
Of
Gambling
Disorder?
Exercise
offers
a
surprising
yet
effective
outlet
for
those
battling
this
condition
Gambling
disorder
often
flies
under
the
radar
but
can
be
incredibly
debilitating,
affecting
both
mental
and
physical
well-being
and
working
out
is
an
excellent
gambling
disorder
treatment.
Exercise
offers
a
surprising
yet
effective
outlet
for
those
battling
this
condition.
Studies
have
shown
that
physical
activity
can
help
reduce
the
cravings
and
stress
associated
with
gambling
by
regulating
mood
and
providing
a
healthy
distraction.
*Movement
also
helps
combat
the
emotional
highs
and
lows
that
often
accompany
gambling
cycles,
allowing
individuals
to
regain
a
sense
of
control
and
balance.
Physical
Health
Matters
Too
It’s
easy
to
focus
on
mental
health
benefits,
but
let’s
not
overlook
what
exercise
does
for
your
body.
For
those
with
mental
disorders,
physical
health
typically
takes
a
back
seat.
Unfortunately,
that
can
lead
to
higher
risks
of
chronic
illnesses
like
heart
disease
or
diabetes.
The
good
news?
Regular
movement
reduces
those
risks.
Here’s
a
quick
look
at
some
physical
perks:
-
Heart
health:
Keeps
your
ticker
strong
and
lowers
blood
pressure. -
Improved
strength
and
flexibility:
Reduces
aches,
pains,
and
risk
of
injury. -
Better
immune
system:
You’ll
fend
off
illnesses
more
easily. -
Increased
energy
levels:
Say
goodbye
to
those
midday
crashes.
By
improving
physical
health,
exercise
indirectly
supports
mental
health.
When
your
body
feels
good,
your
mind
benefits
too.
Why
Is
It
So
Hard
to
Get
Started?
For
many
people,
the
biggest
obstacle
is
a
lack
of
motivation.
Let’s
be
honest:
knowing
something
is
good
for
you
doesn’t
always
make
it
easier
to
do.
Starting
a
workout
routine,
especially
when
dealing
with
mental
or
physical
challenges,
can
feel
impossible.
Depression,
for
example,
can
drain
your
energy,
making
even
small
tasks
feel
monumental.
Fatigue
–
whether
caused
by
a
mental
health
condition
or
its
treatment
–
can
add
another
layer
of
difficulty.
And
then
there’s
fear.
Fear
of
being
judged.
Fear
of
not
doing
it
“right.”
Even
practical
concerns,
like
not
having
enough
time
or
access
to
a
gym,
can
make
starting
feel
impossible.
My
Two
Cents
on
Breaking
Through
Start
small.
Like,
ridiculously
small.
Forget
hour-long
workouts
or
intense
routines,
begin
with
just
five
or
ten
minutes
a
day.
Try
walking
around
the
block,
dancing
in
your
living
room,
or
doing
a
few
stretches
in
bed.
-
The
point
isn’t
to
be
perfect;
it’s
to
get
moving.
Once
you
start,
momentum
builds. -
Focus
on
what
feels
good.
If
running
isn’t
your
thing,
try
yoga,
dancing,
or
even
gardening.
Movement
is
movement. -
Don’t
worry
about
perfection.
It’s
okay
to
miss
a
day
or
take
it
slow.
The
goal
isn’t
to
“win”
at
exercise,
it’s
to
build
a
sustainable
habit.
What’s
the
Science
Behind
Exercise
as
Therapy?
We’re
not
just
talking
about
personal
anecdotes
here.
Research
overwhelmingly
supports
the
idea
that
exercise
can
be
therapeutic
for
mental
and
physical
disorders.
As
we’ve
already
mentioned,
studies
have
shown
that
physical
activity
significantly
reduces
symptoms
of
depression
and
anxiety.
It
also
enhances
cognitive
function
and
emotional
regulation
in
people
with
schizophrenia.
And
when
combined
with
traditional
treatments
like
therapy
or
medication,
exercise
often
amplifies
the
benefits.
So
why
isn’t
exercise
more
commonly
prescribed?
Barriers
like
lack
of
clinician
training
and
limited
resources
make
it
harder
to
implement
in
healthcare
settings.
But
as
awareness
grows,
more
people
are
recognizing
its
potential.
Choose
What
Works
for
You
Not
everyone
enjoys
the
same
activities,
and
that’s
okay.
If
you
love
being
outdoors,
go
for
a
hike
or
a
bike
ride.
Prefer
something
low-impact?
Try
Pilates
or
swimming.
The
key
is
finding
something
you
enjoy
so
it
doesn’t
feel
like
a
chore.
Build
Slowly
It’s
tempting
to
dive
into
a
full
workout
plan
right
away,
but
that’s
typically
a
recipe
for
burnout.
Instead,
ease
into
it.
Start
with
short
sessions
a
few
times
a
week,
and
gradually
increase
as
you
feel
more
comfortable.
Celebrate
Small
Wins
It’s
easy
to
focus
on
what
you
didn’t
do—how
far
you
didn’t
run,
or
how
long
you
didn’t
work
out.
But
every
step
forward
counts.
Celebrate
those
small
victories,
because
they’re
what
build
long-term
habits.
Why
It’s
Worth
It
I’ll
be
honest,
there
are
still
days
when
I
don’t
feel
like
moving.
But
when
I
push
past
that
initial
resistance,
I’m
reminded
of
why
I
keep
showing
up.
It’s
not
just
about
looking
a
certain
way
or
hitting
a
fitness
milestone.
It’s
about
feeling
stronger,
clearer,
and
more
in
control.
For
anyone
dealing
with
mental
or
physical
challenges,
movement
is
a
powerful
tool.
It’s
not
a
magic
fix,
but
it
can
make
a
meaningful
difference.
It’s
a
way
to
reclaim
a
sense
of
agency
and
reconnect
with
your
body
and
mind.
Sources
1.
NCBI
–
Physical
activity,
exercise,
and
mental
disorders:
it
is
time
to
move
on
2.
WebMD
–
Exercise
and
Schizophrenia:
What’s
the
Link?