I would like to begin by saying that being involved in physical activity has changed my life—a 17-year-old, diagnosed with depression and epilepsy. According to WHO, ‘Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain. It is characterised by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.’
It was a hard time accepting that things were happening to me. It took a lot of courage, and support from family and friends. It was my college phase where instead of exploring my likes and dislikes as an adult, I was restricted to consuming anti-depressants, and anti-epileptics, maintaining a sleep schedule, not going to swim or sit on two-wheelers, or places with flickering lights. I started questioning what is epilepsy. why depression? What is it? Maybe that’s why I opted for the field of clinical psychology as my career.
The only aid left was to exercise. I have been a person who has stayed away from sports. I just used to focus on my diet. The day I chose to start exercising for myself, to cure from epilepsy and overcome my depressive phase I understood the power of exercising. Initially, I used to hate it, I used to crib before going gym, Zumba class, and yoga class. Later I realized that the gym was something I hated and I started diet control, half an hour of walking every day, and 20 minutes of Zumba. This form of exercise I liked and was enjoying as well. That’s when I realized, exercising is fun when you like it and do it for yourself. This brings me to discuss the impact of exercise on mental health.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLB), ‘Exercise is an activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.’ It has a profound impact on mental health, offering numerous benefits that go beyond physical fitness. The first is, that it improves mood. Exercise induces the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. This can lead to feelings of happiness and euphoria. Also, it reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, often as effectively as medication or therapy in some cases.
It reduces levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, leading to a more relaxed state and enhances relaxation activities like yoga and tai chi combining movement with mindfulness, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Reaching exercise milestones, no matter how small, can provide a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem. Regular exercise can help improve body image and confidence by enhancing physical appearance and fitness levels.
Physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep. Exercise has been linked to better sleep quality and can help those who struggle with insomnia. It boosts brain health by promoting the growth of new brain cells and enhancing connections between existing ones. It can elevate memory, learning, and overall cognitive functioning. Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
Participating in group exercises or sports can enhance social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Regular participation in fitness communities can help build a support network that encourages mental and emotional well-being. Activities like yoga, Pilates, or even mindful running encourage being present in the moment, which can reduce anxiety levels.
Establishing a regular exercise routine can provide structure. It can serve as a positive coping mechanism for managing stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions, reducing reliance on unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol, or overeating.
Regular physical exercise is a powerful tool for improving mental health. Engaging in exercises enhances mood and fosters a sense of well-being. Moreover, exercising can improve cognitive functioning, boost self-esteem, and provide support for overall mental health.
Incorporating exercise into daily routines does not need to be strenuous or time-consuming to reap the benefits. Even moderate activity, such as walking or cycling for 30 minutes most days, can have significant positive effects. It is important for individuals to find activities they enjoy and to approach exercise in a way that aligns with their physical abilities and personal preferences.
Ultimately, combining regular physical activity with other healthy habits, such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and social support, can create a strong foundation for mental and emotional well-being.
