{"id":56112,"date":"2023-01-04T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T13:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56112"},"modified":"2025-10-29T11:25:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T15:25:49","slug":"benefits-of-exercise-on-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benefits-of-exercise-on-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"6 mental health conditions that exercise improves"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re likely aware that exercise is vital for physical health and wellness\u2014<\/span>reducing the risk of many chronic diseases<\/span>. But did you know it\u2019s just as important for your mental health? Regular <\/span>physical activity<\/span> has profound mental health benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It\u2019s an effective way to manage anxiety, depression, and stress. Whether you prefer hitting the gym, participating in organized sports, or going for a walk outdoors, regular exercise can help manage the symptoms of common mental health conditions. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the benefits of exercise on mental health.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>RELATED: <\/b>Exercise and chronic disease<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How does exercise impact the brain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Physical activity has numerous mental health benefits; on the flip side, lack of exercise (or living a sedentary lifestyle) is associated with poor mental health, says <\/span>Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC<\/span>, a therapist and addiction specialist at <\/span>Family Addiction Specialist<\/span> in New York.<\/span> \u201cConsistent regular exercise over time has been found to have the best long-term mental health benefits,\u201d Sternlicht says.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How exactly does exercise for mental health work? It triggers neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms that work together to improve mood and\/or mitigate mental health symptoms, explains Sternlicht. Physical activity also releases mood-boosting and stress-reducing neurotransmitters\u2014such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin\u2014that can boost mood and reduce stress, worry, agitation, and other such conditions. Finally, exercise increases blood circulation to regions of the brain that trigger a reduction of stress and boosts mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

And those are just the physiological effects of exercise on the brain. \u201cExercise also helps with distraction from negative thoughts, social interaction, sleep, self-esteem, self-efficacy, discipline, routine, and confidence, all of which in turn are beneficial for mental well-being,\u201d says Sternlicht<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

6 mental health conditions that exercise improves<\/span><\/h2>\n

Exercise is an essential part of our well-being. It boosts metabolism, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and produces endorphins, says <\/span>Alex Dimitriu, MD<\/span><\/a>, a double board-certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of <\/span>BrainfoodMD<\/span><\/a>. \u201cFor all of my patients, I recommend SEMM: sleep, exercise, meditation, and the Mediterranean diet,\u201d Dr. Dimitriu says. \u201cI have seen substantial improvements to both sleep and mood stability from exercise routines.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And <\/span>research<\/span><\/a> shows that exercise has a beneficial effect for individuals with specific mental health conditions. Here are the top six.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Depression<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. ADHD<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Bipolar Disorder<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. OCD<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. PTSD<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Exercise and depression<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Depression<\/span><\/a> is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. According to Sternlicht, symptoms of depression include:<\/span><\/p>\n