What has Physical Activity to do with Mental Health?

Recently I completed a certification course on Mental Health from Alison Education and it gave me very valuable insights on Mental Illness and the importance of well-being. Through this short post, I would like to share a small part of my learnings.

We often take our health for granted and it is only when an alarming situation shows up we realize the importance of the time we DID not invest in our health.

We could be a different story altogether if take charge of our lives in our own hands, external factors will be always there to influence, eradicate us or completely trying to destroy us but we need o to be thick strong to stand facing them, looking them into the eye and ask them to back off.

But how? How can we be that strong to deal with any such situation in our life? No, we do not need to have superpowers but we need to have some physical strength which will, in turn, keep us in a good mood and enhance our mindedness.

As per WHO (World Health Organization) 330 Million people are suffering from some sort of mental distress. It is estimated that as many as 25% of the population suffers from mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders.

Some cope with these disorders individually, without professional or medical assistance. Physical activity is a natural environment that can be a promising aid for such people.

Mental Health and wellness is the absence of Mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, and the ability to cope with daily challenges in a positive, optimistic, and constructive manner.

Psychological benefits of physical activity are:

• positive change in self-perception and well-being
• improvement in self-confidence and awareness
• positive changes in mood
• relief of tension
• relief of feelings such as depression and anxiety
• influence in pre-menstrual tension
• increased sense of mental well-being
• increased alertness and clear thinking
• increase in energy and ability to cope with daily activity
• increased enjoyment of exercise and social contact
• developing positive coping strategies

It seems that an exercise duration of 20 to 30 minutes at least 3 times per week of 60%-90% of age estimated Hrmax (ACSM) could result in desirable psychological benefits or even 20 to 30 minutes of exercise may be sufficient for stress reduction (Berger, 1986; Berger & Owen, 1983), 60 minutes may result in even more psychological benefit (Carmack & Martens, 1979; Mandell, 1979)

Physical Activities to choose from:

• Staying close to nature helps in reducing stress
• Swimming or any Aerobic Activity or weight training is as effective as different forms of Psychotherapy and has an anti-depressant effect if followed regularly.
• Yoga, meditation, or Pranayam also helps in reduces stress level and increase vigor.

Also, read Surya Namaskar– Sacred & Powerful!!

However, other recreational activities, such as ball games, aquatics, and the like, can be psychologically advantageous as well.

We can improve our quality of life by adopting physical activities in our daily life. Say yes to life. This article is just an attempt to share my learnings and promote Well-being to whoever reads it.

Much love and gratitude

Priyanka

#VirtualSiyahi