Most people exercise to stay physically fit and maintain a high level of energy. However, there is also a clear correlation between exercise and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that boost your mood and give you an overall sense of wellness. For this reason, residential mental health treatment centers offer exercise therapy in GA.
Exercise helps people feel more positive about their health, bodies, and overall outlook on life. Physical activity can also relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. People who have ADHD and bipolar disorder suffer from fewer symptoms when they stay on an exercise routine. When combined with healthy eating, exercise is an essential component in addiction recovery. Atlanta Center for Mental Health is here to help you see that.
Exercise and Depression
Some studies have suggested that exercise can relieve mild to moderate depression symptoms almost as effectively as medication. How does exercise help with depression?
- Exercise promotes neural growth throughout the central nervous system.
- People who exercise experience less chronic pain and inflammation.
- After exercise, a person has a feeling of well-being and calmness.
- Exercise gives you more energy and boosts your spirits.
- Exercise can also help you get your mind off your depression.
Instead of isolating yourself and remaining in a depressed state, you can get out, spend time with others, and engage in a positive activity that benefits your health.
Exercise and Anxiety
Another connection between exercise and mental health is how well exercise relieves anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, you may feel like you need some release from your intense feelings. Exercise provides that outlet. For instance, if you have muscle cramps, tightness in the chess, or a fast heartbeat, you can exercise to ease your discomfort.
Exercise gets the blood flowing and increases your energy levels, which already happens when you experience anxiety. However, the difference is that exercise releases tension in a positive way. You instantly feel better because you have a physical release when you are emotionally triggered. Exercise can also help you cope with anxiety better than drugs and alcohol. A mental health treatment center can help you get on an exercise routine to relieve stress anxiety during rehab.
Exercise and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
One of the things you learn in your PTSD treatment program is the connection between past trauma and your self-image. For instance, if you were abused as a child, it can create a poor self-image. This often leads to poor dieting, lack of exercise, low motivation, and an overall feeling that you can never be successful at school or work.
Exercise helps you to escape the feeling of immobilization or emotional paralysis that arises from trauma. It can get you out of the rut of the depression or anxiety you feel each day. It gives you higher self-esteem, improved mental capacity, and better sleep. When you exercise, you are more willing to engage in the world instead of withdrawing from fear or paranoia.
Exercise Therapy in GA
A dual diagnosis treatment center offers exercise therapy to treat co-occurring disorders such as addiction and a mental health issue. Exercise therapy is more than just doing physical activity. It is usually designed to address your condition and help you work through your recovery using fitness as a guide.
Exercise therapists use different programs to bring wellness to the mind, body, and soul. They may integrate meditation or mindfulness into each exercise routine, helping you become more aware of your mind’s activity.
Learn More About Exercise and Mental Health at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you would like to learn more about exercise and mental health, contact Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458. We offer exercise therapy in GA for all types of mental health issues and addictions. Call us today and let us help you get on the road to recovery.
