Pills vs. Pushups: The Role of Exercise in Mental Well-Being
It’s no secret – exercise is good for you. It’s well known physical health benefits range from increased strength and endurance to illness prevention. However, fewer individuals are aware of the impact exercise has on mental health. Research confirms what so many people intuitively know – when you are active, you feel and function better overall. Furthermore, studies are beginning to show that health benefits are long lasting in important ways. There are many reasons not to exercise – lack of time being the most common for parents – but there is good reason to find a way.
Exercise has mood-enhancing effects, both short- and long-lasting. In fact, studies have shown regular exercise to be comparable to antidepressant medications for treating depression. Dr. James Blumenthal, a researcher at Duke University, found that exercise was not only helpful in treating depression but also in preventing relapse. Dr. Jasper Smits and Dr. Michael Otto, authors of Exercise for Mood and Anxiety: Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression, examined the link between exercise and anxiety disorders. Not surprisingly, they found exercise to be an effective tool to prevent and treat both anxiety and depression. In addition, those who exercised were less likely to experience feelings of panic or to have panic attacks.
Many theories exist to explain the connection between exercise and mental health. There are neurochemical explanations like the release of “feel good” chemicals in the brain and the regulation of sleep. There are also psychological explanations. Exercising provides a feeling of accomplishment, which boosts motivation and increases self-confidence. Regular activity also helps your body respond to stress. According to Dr. Otto, exercise biologically toughens the brain, making stress less impactful.
Physically active parents are better able to handle daily stress. They tend to have a higher tolerance for frustration, making daily nuisances less overwhelming. And importantly, parents who exercise are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Anyone who has experienced depression or anxiety knows that episodes of either render the challenges of parenting that much more difficult. Being physically active also leads to better health outcomes, allowing parents to be present for their children.
Active parents tend to have active children. Modeling positive health behaviors is far more influential than preaching to children or pushing them to engage in activities that parents are not willing to do themselves. According to the American Heart Association, children aged two and up should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. These children tend to have a longer life expectancy and a lower incidence of childhood diseases such as diabetes. They are also more likely to become active adults.
It is a challenge for busy parents to take time to exercise. While time is a factor for many individuals, it is important to realize that taking care of yourself saves time over the long run. Think about how much less you get done when you are in bed sick, at the doctor’s office, or feeling generally lousy. And demonstrating the importance of regular physical activity – especially during busy times – sends a powerful message to children. The jury is still out on exactly which type of exercise is best – aerobic, weight-training, etc. But there is one consistent finding in all the research. Exercise clearly has powerful beneficial effects on our bodies and minds.
Dr. Jaime Black is a licensed psychologist practicing in Westchester and New York City. In addition to providing general mental health services, Jaime works with individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum, doing psychotherapy, conducting evaluations, and facilitating social skills groups. Visit www.spectrumservicesnyc.com, e-mail JaimeBlackPsyD@gmail.com or call (914)712-8208.
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