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#3 Exercise
Physical activity improves mental well-being.
Scientific evidence
Current science indicates that regular participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity improves mental well-being and reduces mental health symptoms. This claim is supported by a large number of scientific studies, but one noteworthy source is the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, where the scientific evidence from prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials has been analyzed.
[1] Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, Part G. Section 8: Mental Health, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2016. Link
What you can do with this knowledge
Walk 30 minutes every day. Or create your own physical activity plan and stick to it every day.
Caution
Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure it's safe for you.
Good read
- An easy guidebook on how to get started on your own exercise plan.
- For further exploration, use the search keywords: Exercise benefits mental health
- The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise by L. Robinson, J. Segal, and M. Smith: 2016. Link
