Ever thought of exercise as food or fuel for your brain? Probably not. Why would you? But exercise is in many ways a brain food and the fuel for proper cognitive function and perspective. Ensuring you get plenty of physical activity is a great way to reduce your risk of mental disorder and disease. Physical activity is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for those who suffer from mental health disorders, and for good reason. Let me tell you why you should approach physical activity with your mental wellness in mind (no pun intended), along with the benefits to be reaped.
           
Mood Enhancer
 
Odds are, you’ve gone into a workout or training session with low motivation, irritating life stressors, and even a sincere desire to not start moving. But, you do it anyway. After you finish, or even during your session, you start to feel a rush of invigorating energy accompanied by a surge of uplifting thoughts. This would be the first sign that you are feeding your brain, improving your mental state and function, and bringing a wave of mental clarity along with it.
 
The science behind this reaction is widely known. The key word we usually hear is endorphins. Endorphins are natural brain chemicals that, when released, give you a sense of well-being and pleasure. Exercise stimulates the release of these chemicals.
                       
Depression Fighter
 
This favorable response isn’t just an acute consequence. According to the American Psychological Foundation, regular exercise can help alleviate depression.
 
Furthermore, there is good epidemiological data that suggests active people suffer from diagnosed depression less than those who are inactive. This may sound like common sense to some, but having scientific data to support such a thought is truly a big deal. Dr. Srini Pillay, a contributor for Harvard Health News, states regular exercise can boost mood by increasing a brain protein called BDNF, which helps nerve fibers grow. This long-term effect would reduce the symptoms of depression and limit the aggression of depressive flare-ups.
 
Confidence Builder
 
When you finish a training session, there is typically an underlying feeling of accomplishment and success. That sense of accomplishment can induce confidence and a hunger to do more. These feelings should be considered both motivators and incentives. Make note of how you feel when you finish your next training session. On the days you’re tired and unmotivated, try to recall the sense of accomplishment.
 
As we all know, exercising regularly can modify the appearance of the body in a positive way. Duh. This would be a chronic effect of physical activity. It feeds into our mood enhancement and confidence boosting departments by improving self-image. We don’t need a scientific study to tell us that when we like what we see in the mirror, we are happier and more secure. That security promotes happiness.
 
Social Engagement
 
Going to a gym or park to exercise will generally set you up to be around other people. These days, that doesn’t mean much, as many of us are looking down at our phones with our headphones in and basically in our own universe. If you have trouble detaching from technology, use your training time as practice to take a break from social media and constantly looking at your phone. Finding a gym partner, joining a gym where there are others to train with and support, or simply asking a friend to meet you for a run at the park are all great ways to detach from tech. This will ultimately lead to social interaction with other human beings, which in itself, is typically a mood booster. I say typically, simply because there are “Negative Nancies” and “Debbie Downers” always lurking. It’s up to you, so choose wisely.
 
Releasing Negative Energy/Resetting the Mind
 
Exercising to release pent up energy or process stress is one of my top reasons for training daily. Many times, people do this unconsciously, but using this time in a conscious manner can be even more effective for some. Thinking about life’s frustrations while performing a big lift, a high-volume set, or an intense conditioning session can allow you to target those thoughts, use them as a pusher, and then release them.
 
The other approach would be using your session to clear your mind and not think about anything but the movement or task at hand. This would be a time for you to clear and reset your train of thought. Resetting and slowing down to reconfigure your mindset can be a difficult task, so experiment, keep a log of how you felt after your training sessions, and see what happens.
 
What about anxiety and panic disorder?
 
Along with depression, anxiety is among the most common mental health disorders that Americans face. Panic disorder is one of the most reported forms of anxiety. The symptoms include a racing heart, feeling weak, faint or dizzy, chest pains, a sense of doom, and loss of control. It can be downright debilitating and is possibly the most destructive form of anxiety. Over 40 million Americans annually experience some form of anxiety. There is a reason why this disease is being talked about more and the stigma of mental health is starting to be reduced.
 
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that while most forms of anxiety are treatable, only around 37% of those suffering actually seek treatment. The reason for this is obvious and alarming—we don’t want to be seen as crazy or mentally ill. As someone who has suffered from severe anxiety, I can honestly say it took me years to bring myself to reach out for help. My treatment was completely behavioral based and included lots of - you guessed it, exercise.
 
Why use exercise to reduce or minimize the symptoms of anxiety?
           
All of the benefits listed previously in this article apply to anxiety and panic disorders, but there is one specific reason that may be a less well known.
 
Many times, the symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack are similar to the acute reactions of exercise. People who struggle with anxiety respond to these sensations with fear. This sets off a multitude of fight or flight reactions. Researchers have found exercise helps dampen the fear response to these sensations by conditioning the brain to respond without fear. This process takes time and is usually done with other behavioral drills. Exercise and the bodily responses to it are used as practice for the patient with the goal being less fear and a calmer reaction to the fight or flight sensation.
 
If you, or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or depression, give exercise a try and don’t ever be afraid to seek help.