Photo by Kevin Bhagat on Unsplash
New research published in August indicates that exercise can improve mental health and potentially even alleviate or prevent depression.
In this study, researchers analyzed data provided by more than one million adults who responded to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey between 2011 and 2015. These individuals completed a survey asking questions about exercise, lifestyle habits, health histories, and number of days per month that one might experience poor mental health days.
Those who completed the survey reported an average of 3.36 days of poor mental health per month. The research survey also indicated those who exercised through activities ranging from housework to running to yoga experienced one fewer poor mental health days than those who did not exercise at all.
So how much exercise is good for your mental health?
It seems hard to balance school, a job, homework, sorority life and extracurricular activities. Then to add in exercise? How do you even handle it?
It’s hard, but so worth it. The researchers found a pattern with this research study indicating those who exercised for a moderate amount of time, around forty-five minutes per session saw better mental health results than those who favored longer workouts.
The research also showed that sweating three to five times a week was associated with a bigger reduction in poor mental health days than those not exercising at all or exercising every day.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults will experience mental health conditions each year. Improving quality of life can be impacted with exercise, medication, counseling, support from family and friends.
For those needing assistance, the following resources are available to OU-Norman students:
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To schedule an appointment with the University Counseling Center, call 405-325-2911 or 405-325-2700
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Number Nyne Crisis Hotline: anonymous line open to anyone needing someone to listen, all calls are confidential and open to all students: 405-325-6963
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Suicide Crisis Line: 405-848-2273 or 800-273-8255
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Oklahoma Crisis Center: 405-522-8100
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If you are in immediate crisis, please call 911 and tell the dispatcher you are in a mental health crisis.