Mental Health Month - How Exercise Eases Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

1. May is Mental Health Month! You may be aware that one of the recommended treatments for depression and anxiety is free - exercise!

One reason why many Swamp Fitness clients come to us for support and personal training is to improve their mental health and to get them in the habit of exercising regularly.

For 2021, the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s (NAMI) goal is to amplify the message of “You Are Not Alone.” Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.

Swamp Fitness professional health coaches have the unique opportunity and privilege to work with clients and seeing the transformation in their physical and mental health. We often hear that while clients’ main goals are to improve their physical health, the improvement to their mental health is what really feels life changing to them.

How Exercise Eases Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

Endorphins and other Neurotransmitters

Exercise releases endorphins, or “feel good hormones” interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain and trigger positive feelings in your body. They are one of the only neurotransmitters that are released by your brain when exercising. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood.

Gaining Confidence

Regular exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits, too. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.

Cope in a healthy way

Doing something positive to manage depression or anxiety is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how you feel, or hoping depression or anxiety will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms.

How can having a trainer help?

Setting SMART Goals

Your personal trainer is an expert at setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART). Having goals that are SMART helps you visualize, gives you a track to run on so you can see where you have to go. forces you to set priorities, which establish direction to your pursuits, defines reality and separates it from wishful thinking, and makes you responsible for your own fitness journey.

Having Support

Having a person who will keep you accountable is extremely important in reaching and maintaining your fitness goals. Your trainer will be a regular partner to check in with you and your health.