World Mental Health Day: Regular exercise can boost mental health

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Exercise is not only important for you physical health but also for your mental health. The coronavirus pandemic has put importance on one’s mental health like never before.

According to research, people who exercise regularly have better mental health and well-being compared to people who do not work out.

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Taking up regular health exercises not also improves mental well-being but helps in treating depression and anxiety. Some research suggests that physical activity can be more effective than taking antidepressants and therapy.

How exercise can improve your mental health

Regular exercise can induce good sleep and can also distract you from negative thoughts and help in coping with pressures. Moreover, research says when you exercise levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins, change.

Regular exercise or playing a sport helps in letting out your frustration and also work in improving your energy levels.

How much to exercise for your mental health

Be it for your physical or mental health, the good news is one doesn’t need indulge in an intense workout, rather a 30 minutes of physical exercise would be enough, experts suggest. Even a 15-minute session is more than enough.