Exercise and Mental Health

New study provides new evidence

It has been common knowledge for alot of years that exercise is good for your physical health but a new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry Journal has concluded that exercising regularly is good for mental health.

The research that analysed data from 1.2 million adults in the United states found that exercising for 45 minutes three to five times a week has the best impact on mental health. 

The study also looked at the type of exercise people did and found that although all exercise was good, team sports, cycling and aerobic and gym exercise had the best results. The social aspects of team sports promoted resilience and reduced depression because it reduced social withdrawal and isolation.

Frequency and duration were also important with exercise for 30-60 minutes linked with the best reduction in poor mental health particularly if done three to five times a week.

Interestingly, too much exercise - more than 90 minutes had the smallest reduction and more than three hours a day could have a worst impact. This is because doing extreme amounts could have obsessive characteristics if the individual wasn't a professional sports person. So moderation is key!

As a hypnotherapist, I have many clients come to see me for help and support with mental health and wellbeing. Most of the times I am helping people overcome problems, trauma, habits and negative thinking but once that part of the work is complete the next stage is to programme health and wellbeing goals as part of the hypnosis work. Exercise is a key ingredient of any health and wellbeing.