Exercise & Mental Health
I’m honored to be a writer for Strength for Today’s blog this week! I have long believed that strength training will positively affect one’s mental health, and it often leads to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. I am a big advocate for exercise in my practice, and I also know from experience how much strength training has benefited me personally.
Numerous studies have proven the benefits of strength training. According to JAMA psychiatry, resistance exercise training (strength based training) has been associated with decreased depression. Anxiety has also been shown to decrease with strength training according to a study found in PubMed Central.
Depression and anxiety being lowered is in part due to the following reasons:
Increased mood - Strength training releases positive endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals), hormones and other neurotransmitters in your brain that correlate to increased mood.
Increased sleep - Strength training leads to better sleep which leads to an improvement in mental health
Increased self confidence and self esteem - Strength training will help you reach set goals and believe in yourself.
Boost in cognitive function - Strength training has a positive impact on imroving memory, attention, processing speed and overall brain health
Stress relief - I know from experience that lifting weights has helped reduce the effects of stress in my mind and body.
So what are you waiting for? Hopefully this has given you the motivation you’ve needed. Join Strength for Today and see for yourself how strength training can improve your mental health!
Sandy Vree
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Bright Hope Counseling