Exercise and physical activity
play a vital role in both maintaining one's mental health condition and in
recovering from a mental ailment. Breaking research implies that exercise
actually produces a chemical that stimulates the growth of brain cells. It also
allows for recovery from sever substance abuse disorders. However, physical
activity and mental health recovery coincide in fostering a social network. And
it also encourages self-reflection, both of which are crucial on the path to
mental health recovery.
The
human mind grew in an environment which required it to travel over twelve miles
daily. And no, that drive to work in the morning does not count. But that would
make things easier, no? This evolution was due to survival instincts when
humans migrated from the jungles into the flatlands. Humans also developed an
adrenaline reaction which both encouraged movement and triggered immediate
learning reactions; as Doctor Carl Clark from the Mental Health Center of
Denver once stated, when the early man saw that saber-tooth tiger charging out of
the brambles, the neurons must have been firing pretty fast to teach them to
stay away from the bushes next time...that is assuming their get away was fast
enough to allow for the next time!
This
adrenaline rush encouraging learning has become neutralized by the flow of
activities in modern western societies, wherein the normal individual is
seemingly on a constant, albeit generally unnoticed, adrenaline rush.
Consequently, stress levels have continuously been on the rise, consequently
decreasing the rate at which an individual learns when in a compromising the situation, thus decreasing mental wellness levels.
Physical
activity is a huge aid to mental health in the fact that exercise allows for a
stress outlet, thus decreasing day-to-day stress while creating functional
adrenaline for the mind. In reality, physical activity is important for mental
health due to its role in creating Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF),
which is a key factor in the creation of brain cells. The myth of the old days
is past; you know the one, where once your brain cells are gone they are gone.
Well, such is not the case, physical activity and exercise can increase BDNF
levels and allow the re-growth of brain cells, consequently making physical
activity immensely important for mental illness recovery.
Exercise
and mental health further coincide in regards to the alarming statistic that
people with mental illnesses, on average, die 20 years sooner than mentally
healthy individuals. While there are many factors that go into this involved in
substance abuse risk factors, two considerations that one would be remiss to
ignore is the fact that those suffering from mental illnesses have a tendency
to stagnate and become physically inactive. This has resulted in a large
percentage of mental health consumers being considered overweight, which can
ultimately result in adult-onset diabetes. Diabetes is very dangerous in sedentary
individuals who, in a depressant state, care little about taking care of
themselves, for such a medical ailment, can result in numerous health-related
issues, some of which can be very serious.
Physical
activity and mental illness recovery are highly correlated. In some of the most
successful recovery-based treatment facilities, one will find strong proponents
of mental health consumers engaging in physical activity. These activities also
subsidize the development and formation of a support network populated by
individuals interested in similar hobbies. Furthermore, exercise can often be a
form of active meditation, and as practitioners of Dialectic Behavioral
Treatment (DBT) can profess, meditation, including meditation, absent any
religious connotations (whether it be active or seated), drives self-reflection
which is crucial to mental health recovery; for more information on the
importance of self-reflection, you can access my article on Spirituality and
Hope in Mental Health.
Stay
physically effective, exercise and mental wellness are highly correlated. Exercise
is one of the best means to prevent the development of serious mental illnesses
and is also one of the most effective treatment plans. Stay speedy, stay
healthy, stay happy.
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