How Does Training Reduce Depression
We’ve all heard that exercise reduces depression. Prevailing wisdom suggests that moving your body is a fantastic way to improve your mental health and keep conditions like depression at bay.
But have you ever stopped to consider why that might be the case? In other words, what impact does physical activity have on your body that reduces the risk of depression?
Let’s review the four primary mechanisms.
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It Creates New Nerve Connections
Exercise has several positive effects on the brain, each contributing to our sense of well-being.
A notable example is that physical activity promotes neuroplasticity––the brain’s ability to change through growth and reorganization. Moving your body helps your brain establish new and stronger connections between the billions of neurons and cells. As a result, your brain functions more efficiently, leading to positive effects, including a reduced risk of suffering from mental disorders, such as depression.
Some research even suggests that exercise makes it easier for the brain to produce new neurons. One likely explanation is that physical activity allows more oxygen-rich blood to enter the brain.
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It Improves Energy Levels and Cognitive Function
Not everyone suffering from depression does so in the traditional manner. Depression often masks itself as fatigue, lack of motivation, and impaired cognitive function. Luckily for us, physical activity is one of the best ways to boost your energy levels, feel better throughout the day, and maintain sharp cognition.
These direct benefits of physical activity work opposite to the symptoms that can surface due to depression. As such, you begin to feel better about yourself, motivation goes up, and you’re much more likely to participate in other activities that get your around people and uplift you.
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It Can Help You Manage Anxiety Better
Anxiety is an inevitable part of life. We all struggle with issues that can keep us up at night, distract us while working, and lead us down a path of negative thoughts. At some point, too much anxiety can bring about depression and feelings of hopelessness.
Numerous papers show that exercise is a nice way to reduce anxiety and stop it from taking over your thoughts during the day. Having a workout, even a short one, can bring a healthy distraction. By the time you finish a workout, the issues that were gnawing at you might feel like distant memories.
Similarly, physical activity provides an outlet for stress, allowing you to leave the day’s negativity at the gym and feel better.
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It Promotes Neurotransmitter Production
Have you ever gone for a nice workout in the gym or at the local park? How did you feel afterwards? Chances are, you were clear-headed, focused, and in a great mood. The state is known as runner’s high and is said to occur thanks to neurotransmitter production in response to physical activity. Despite its name, the runner’s high isn’t only reserved for runners.
As you train, your body produces endorphins––neurotransmitters that help you deal with stress and physical discomfort. Aside from that, these chemicals promote euphoria and relaxation that can last for hours after training.
Regular physical activity is also linked to higher serotonin levels. The neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in our sleep and overall happiness. Low serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and a higher risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as schizophrenia.
Plus, exercising regularly and reaching new milestones is a great way to boost dopamine levels in the brain. Similar to serotonin, dopamine plays a vital role in our mood. It is also crucial for motivation, feeling rewarded for your efforts, and more.
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