Physical Activity to Reduce Depression
Shared by Dr. John Wertish
Our stress levels impact everything for our energy, mood, hunger, and levels of pain. The ability to adapt to mental stress is essential to keeping pain at bay. Previously we have discussed ways to focus on our thoughts, breathe work, and emotional awareness. This topic is a little different because we preach movement for overall health. It truly does impact overall health and can impact our mental health. There is compelling evidence suggesting that physical activity and exercise alleviate some symptoms associated with mild to moderate depression. The evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise might provide a beneficial adjunct for alcoholism and substance abuse programs; improve self-image, social skills, and cognitive functioning; reduce the symptoms of anxiety; and alter aspects of physiological response to stressors. Next time you are feeling anxious, or a cloudy day is glooming over your head, go outside for a bike ride or a run and burn off the stress feeling.
Here are a few quotes from the article.
“Some of these proposed psychological benefits are improved confidence, well-being, sexual satisfaction, anxiety reduction, and positive effects of depressed mood and intellectual functioning. “
“A number of cross-sectional studies and two randomized trials showed that acute and chornic exercise reduce physiological responses to stress.”
References
Taylor CB, Sallis JF, Needle R. The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health. Public Health Rep. 1985 Mar-Apr;100(2):195-202. PMID: 3920718; PMCID: PMC1424736.
Our Message
When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you that you can trust, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. Our McKinney Chiropractors, located near Craig Ranch, near the corner of S. Stonebridge Dr. and Eldorado Pkwy., will teach you what the research says about how and why we should eat a better diet, move more and have more positive thoughts.