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Scientific evidence confirms that exercise has numerous positive effects on people's psychological well-being. Physical activity has been found to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and in some instances, it is as effective as taking antidepressants and going for therapy sessions. Firstly, exercise leads to the production of endorphins, which are known as the 'feel good' hormones. These chemicals activate receptors in the brain to dull pain signals and trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as the 'runner's high' (Mikkelsen et al., 2019). This biochemical response can result in an enhanced mood and emotional state. Physical activity also triggers the production of other chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that are critical in controlling mood and thereby minimizing depressive and anxious feelings.
Furthermore, there is a well-established relationship between physical activity and improved cognitive capacity. Physical activity enhances the blood supply to the brain, facilitating new neuron production and maintaining brain health (Ferrer-Uris et al., 2022). This is important because such stimulation further improves memory and overall cognitive function, which could slow down the effects of aging and even prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Besides the biochemical and cognitive enhancements, exercise ensures a schedule and task completion. These achievements, big or small, can lead to accomplishing one's fitness goals and increasing self-esteem. Exercise in groups during workout sessions or play may also reduce loneliness and the feeling of belongingness, which will also help improve emotional health (Martín-Rodríguez et al., 2024).
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Write my essayFinally, exercise also helps deal with stress, which is a leading cause of mental health problems in society today. Cortisol, the stress hormone, has been found to decrease while engaging in physical activities, accompanied by the release of endorphins, which positively impact mood (Mahindru et al., 2023). This dual effect enables stressors to be better coped with, leaving people more protected from the damaging effects of stress. Exercising helps one to become more enjoyable while going through day-to-day activities since it is easier to handle challenges with a sound mind. Furthermore, the feeling of being in charge of physical health helps to gain control over other aspects of life, which contributes to a decrease in anxiety and a strengthening of mental endurance. In conclusion, exercise is a remarkable resource to boost one's mental health as it impacts mood, cognitive functions, self-esteem, social relationships, and stress levels.
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- Ferrer-Uris, B., Ramos, M. A., Busquets, A., & Angulo-Barroso, R. (2022). Can exercise shape your brain? A review of aerobic exercise effects on cognitive function and neuro-physiological underpinning mechanisms. AIMS Neuroscience, 9(2), 150–174. https://doi.org/10.3934/neuroscience.2022009
- Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: a Review. Cureus, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33475
- Martín-Rodríguez, A., Gostian-Ropotin, L. A., Beltrán-Velasco, A. I., Belando-Pedreño, N., Simón, J. A., López-Mora, C., Navarro-Jiménez, E., Tornero-Aguilera, J. F., & Clemente-Suárez, V. J. (2024). Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health. Sports, 12(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010037
- Mikkelsen, K., Stojanovska, L., Polenakovic, M., Bosevski, M., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2019). Exercise and Mental Health. Maturitas, 106(106), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.003
