Staying active is one of the most popular ways to stay healthy and fit. From walking and biking to playing sports and engaging in active recreational activities, there are plenty of ways to get your body moving. Regular physical activity has been proven to help prevent and control noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several types of cancer. But physical activity has many more benefits than just physical health.
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, regular exercise can improve brain health, cognitive function, reduce the risk of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep and overall quality of life. While it's not a cure-all, increasing physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. Physical activity or exercise can improve health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. It can also have immediate and long-term health benefits.
Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life. Although there are no specific physical activity guidelines for mental health, following the current American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for improving physical fitness should provide ample opportunities for people to improve their mental well-being. Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows how diet, weight, activity level, and habits affect health and well-being. For those who have survived cancer, regular physical activity not only helps you have a better quality of life but also improves your physical condition.
Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety can affect people's ability to engage in health-promoting behaviors, including physical activity. For older adults, doing a variety of physical activities improves physical function and decreases the risk of falls or injuries due to a fall. The guidelines indicate that physical activity can improve cognitive function and sleep, as well as reduce the risk of anxiety and depression, all of which contribute to improved quality of life. Evidence supports the use of physical activity to modify the levels of anxiety and depression in people who suffer from lasting psychological disorders.
Preschool-age children ages 3 to 5 should be active around the clock, and adult caregivers should encourage active play to improve growth and development. The good news is that even small amounts of physical activity can immediately reduce anxiety symptoms in adults and older adults. Research suggests that increased physical activity, of any kind, may improve the symptoms of depression that people experience throughout their lives. Watching what you put into your body, the amount of activity you do and your weight are important for your body to continue working properly.
In addition to preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and the additional risks associated with these comorbidities, the positive effect of physical activity on mental health is another important reason to stay active and move your way. Multicomponent physical activity can be done at home or in a community setting as part of a structured program. You gain weight when you consume more calories from eating and drinking than the number of calories you burn, including those burned during physical activity. Professionals should inspire people to use exercise and physical activity as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing, alleviating and improving anxiety, mood states, and mood disorders.
