In other articles, we've discussed quite a bit about how exercise can help our physical health. Let’s talk more about how exercise can help our mental health too.
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Exercise has been found to help decrease depression. In fact, one study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that walking for one hour or running for 15 minutes daily reduced the risk for depression by 26%! They also went on to say that for some, exercise can be just as effective as medications in managing anxiety and depression.
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Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins help to relax our muscles and increase our “feel good” hormones.
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Exercise helps boost melatonin, often called the sleep hormone. This is especially important for the older population since melatonin production in the brain decreases with age.
Once you know the benefits of exercising regularly, then you can focus on getting yourself motivated. Often what keeps many people from starting is the sense of feeling overwhelmed. When getting started, focus more on the process vs the end game. What can you put in place on a daily or weekly basis to help you move more and feel better, mentally and physically? What are things you enjoy?
Safety Tip: Some medications used to manage conditions such as anxiety and depression can result in changes to your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and/or cause stomach upset. Be sure to speak with your provider and/or pharmacist about how to begin or alter an exercise routine with your current medication regimen.