exercise and mental health

Physical activity can help your mental health in several ways:

• Aerobic exercise can boost your mood. Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, during and after your workout. Endorphins relieve stress and make you feel calmer.
• Getting physical activity during the day can make it easier to sleep at night. Creating a routine can help you stay motivated and build a habit of getting regular physical activity.
• Physical activity may help with depression and anxiety symptoms. Studies show that regular aerobic exercise boosts your mood and lowers anxiety and depression.
• Physical activity may help slow or stop weight gain, which is a common side effect of some medicines used to treat mental health conditions.

Regular physical activity can benefit your health over the long term. Getting active every day (at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking) helps maintain your health. All Americans should also do strengthening exercises at least 2 days a week to build and maintain muscles. Your doctor or nurse may recommend exercise in addition to taking medicine and getting counseling for mental health conditions.