Exercise ..... more effective than counselling or medication...
- mark
- Mar 8, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Cheap, effective and with few side effects, exercise plays a crucial role in supporting mental health.
Nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime—at a huge cost to individuals, families, and the wider community.
While traditional treatments like counselling and medication can be very helpful, growing research shows that movement is also a powerful part of the picture.
The benefits don’t stop at mental health. Regular physical activity can also support a healthier body weight, improve heart and bone health, and even sharpen thinking and memory.
What the Research Found
A major study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reviewed 97 review papers, covering 1,039 trials and 128,119 participants.
The takeaway was clear: doing around 150 minutes per week of different types of physical activity—such as brisk walking, strength training, or yoga—was linked with significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, compared with usual care (including medication).
Why exercise helps.
Exercise supports mental health in several ways—both immediately and over time.
In the short term it can lift mood and reduce stress by increasing feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine.
Over the long term, regular activity can support brain changes that improve mood and thinking, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immune function—all of which can influence mental wellbeing.
It can also improve sleep (a key factor in both depression and anxiety), and build confidence through routine, progress, and a real sense of accomplishment.
A quick note about medication
If you’re under the care of a healthcare practitioner or taking prescription medication, always speak with them before making changes, including reducing or stopping medication.
This article was reproduced from the Guardian.The greater detail can be obtained by clicking on any of the links below:
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