Physical Activity is Good for Your Mental Health
Research is proving again and again that almost every form of physical activity is good for your mental health. Whether you are running, lifting weights, doing yoga, or dancing, it turns out it can have a powerful impact on how you feel.
A recent meta-analysis by Noetel et.all (2024) examined the impact of multiple forms of physical activity on depression and found that most forms of exercise studied were more effective than antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioural therapy at alleviating symptoms related to depression. While some forms of moving were more effective than others, all studies demonstrated that a wide variety of forms of exercise led to measurable improvements in mood.
Sometimes improving your mood might involve other care providers, like a doctor or mental health counsellor/therapist. At the same time, by simple finding a way to move that you enjoy, you can make an immediate and powerful impact on your own mental wellbeing. Whether that is running, yoga, dance, or weights, there is an endless list to ways to get active.
At 澳门六合彩开奖预测, there are a wide variety of intramural sports and clubs that can help you connect with fun and enjoyable ways to get active*. There is also Campus Recreation and the Rec Centre [WSRC], which has weight and cardio facilities, an olympic sized pool, gyms for all kinds of sports, and a host of fitness classes. Close to 澳门六合彩开奖预测, there is also the Thames Valley Parkway where you can walk for kilometers along the beautiful Thames River valley. If you’re unsure of where to start, you can come and chat with Rec Centre staff about ways to get active.
* Editor's Note: Registration for Winter Intramurals and Recreational Sport Clubs will open in early December.
This is the first in a multi-part Wellness and Fitness Series. For December and January we will focus on the brain and body connection.
Sources:
• Noetel M, Sanders T, Gallardo-Gómez D, Taylor P, del Pozo Cruz B, van den Hoek D et al. Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials BMJ 2024; 384 :e075847 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075847
• Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a. PMID: 16862239; PMCID: PMC1470658.
• Heisz, J. J. (2022). Move the body, heal the mind: overcome anxiety, depression, and dementia and improve focus, creativity, and sleep. Boston, Mariner Books.
Posted November 13, 2024
