Winter Blues | Exercise may help
When you experience depression or anxiety, exercise often seems like the last thing you want to do. But once you get started, exercise can make a big difference. Research on depression, anxiety and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Whilst exercise won’t cure anxiety or depression, the physical and psychological benefits of exercise may reduce some symptoms associated with these mental health conditions. For example:
- Engaging in exercise diverts you from the very thing you are anxious about.
- Moving your body decreases muscle tension, lowering the body’s contribution to feeling anxious.
- Getting your heart rate up changes brain chemistry, increasing the availability of important anti-anxiety neurochemicals, such as serotonin.
- Exercise activates frontal regions of the brain responsible for executive function, which helps control the amygdala, our reacting system to real or imagined threats to our survival.
- Exercising regularly builds up resources that bolster resilience against difficult emotions.
Research suggests that people who may see the biggest improvements in symptoms are those who:
- Exercise consistently for several weeks, but were not already physically active.
- Do aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and the daily exercises available on the LK Fitness App.
In addition to helping lift your mood, exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. So, it’s a win either way.
Time to get up and get active!
Linda xx
Sources: Harvard health publishing, Everydayhealth.com, Mayoclinic.org
Get R100 OFF on our NEW LK Wonder Tights
Get FULL exercise and meal plans with the LK Fitness App. It’s 50% OFF on annual subscriptions.
Your first 7 days are free! Click here to find out more: LK Fitness App