Can a few laps around the block solve one’s emotional problems? Probably not, but a regular exercise might help.
According to Health Harvard, a review of studies stretching back to 1981 concluded that regular exercise program can improve one’s mood in people with mild to moderate depression. It even lowers the rates of depression.
So, how does exercise and depression related?
Regular exercise increases the serotonin levels in our brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating our mood, sleep, appetite, and our sex drive, research suggests. If there’s an imbalance in the serotonin levels of the brain then it may linked to depression.
Whenever you exercise, the body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins has mood lifting properties. Endorphins are responsible for that euphoric feeling you get after a run or a workout, which is often accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life, thus helps combat depression and anxiety.
According to Dr Alan Cohen, a GP with a special interest in mental health,
When people get depressed or anxious, they often feel they’re not in control of their lives. Exercise gives them back control of their bodies and this is often the first step to feeling in control of other events.
Nevertheless, a regular exercise program has many psychological and emotional benefits, too.
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