Anxiety and depression affect more than 40 million Americans. Dementia, according to the World Health Organization, affects 50 million people worldwide, with 10 million new cases reported annually. Other forms of mental illness such as ADHD and PTSD are also widespread and, in many cases, severely debilitating. Unfortunately, these numbers, large as they are, don’t include the multitude of cases that go undiagnosed and unreported.
Whether you are suffering from a diagnosed mental illness or simply feel down in the dumps, an exercise program can improve how you feel and contribute to having a better outlook and clearer thinking ability. The infographic below, Brain and Body: Mental Health Benefits of Exercise, describes the advantages of exercise and presents techniques for staying motivated. It’s well worth reading for anyone who isn’t aware of the brain-body connection, or anyone who would like to exercise but just can’t summon the necessary willpower.
Exercise is obviously not a cure-all for mental health problems and should be accompanied by other forms of treatment as directed by a mental health professional. Nevertheless, even moderate exercise is very likely to help you sleep better, think better, and feel better — all of which contribute to a greater ability to respond to those other forms of treatment. Continue reading to learn more.
Comments are closed.