There are exercises that if practiced regularly can relieve anxiety and symptoms of depression.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Sport is not only good for the physical, but also good for mental health. There are a number sport type which when practiced regularly can help elevate mood as well as relieve symptoms depression and emergency.
However, keep in mind that exercise is not meant to replace therapy and medication for people with certain mental health problems. It’s just that, exercise is an excellent tool to support mental health conditions. Here are five sports you can try, quoted from the page CNETAhad (22/1/2023):
1. Casual walk
Taking a leisurely walk can help relieve stress, manage symptoms of anxiety, and increase positive thinking. If you want the best results, walk among trees, parks and green open spaces.
Taking walks in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety. It doesn’t have to be very far or long. Research shows that on foot for 15 minutes can reduce the risk of depression by 26 percent.
2. Running
If you’re looking for a more intense form of exercise to maintain your mental health, try running. When you run, your brain is flooded with mood-boosting endorphins, commonly referred to as a “runner’s high.”
Studies have found that running being outdoors is a great way to get an antidepressant effect. Running consistently can also make it easier for a person to fall asleep and improve sleep quality, which is important for reducing symptoms emergency and depression.
3. Strength training
Try strength training if you want the added benefits of building muscle while supporting mental health. This type of exercise can lower your risk of developing depression or relieve existing symptoms.
One also gets satisfaction from fulfilling the goals of strength training. Not a must go to gym and lifting weights. Strength training can easily be done at home, either with resistence band or your own weight.
4. Yoga
Yoga not only helps relax and pliable the body, it also provides an opportunity to reflect and meditate. That’s why yoga so one of the best exercises that can be done to improve mental health.
Focusing on your breath can eliminate negative mental health situations such as negative thinking and overthinking. Controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, putting you in a relaxed state by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Dancing
Another exercise option that can significantly reduce anxiety is dancing. Like yoga, one can choose the type of dance one wants. Whether it’s ballet, tango, zumba, or contemporary dance, they all have their merits.
It’s not always necessary to enroll in a dance studio to reap the benefits. There are tons of virtual dance classes you can take from home. However, synchronized or choreographed group dances can indeed maximize results, especially if social interaction is needed.
