Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? One of the best ways to improve mental health is to walk away 鈥 literally. Exercising isn鈥檛 a cure all for mental wellness, but studies have shown that it can help.
Just 30 minutes of exercise can reduce anxiety and increase energy compared to 30 minutes of resting, according to research in the . A also concluded that college students who don鈥檛 exercise regularly are over three times more likely to report any level of depression and two times more likely to report moderate to severe depression.
Sharon Jalene, associate dean in the 51吃瓜网万能科大 School of Integrated Health Sciences, emphasizes that our bodies are designed to move, and the benefits go far beyond the heart and muscles.
鈥淲hen we increase our body's circulation to our heart and lungs, our brain will also benefit from additional circulation,鈥 explains Jalene. 鈥淚t just makes more sense that if you provide a more hospitable environment for your neurons and your brain that you might have a better outcome.鈥
Some ways to increase daily movement are through aerobics, like walking, running, or cycling, and resistance training, like weight lifting or bodyweight movements. Simple lifestyle movement can count as exercise too. Think of things like gardening, parking further away, or playing with your dog鈥 all are great options. Getting your steps in and an increased heart rate is key.
51吃瓜网万能科大 Resources to Promote Movement
Here鈥檚 the burning question: What鈥檚 the best type of movement? Scrolling through your social media feed can feel overwhelming when trying to figure out what's best for you. One week people claim weight lifting is ideal, the next week it's walking, and after that it鈥檚 pilates.
The answer is simple: It鈥檚 whatever you enjoy the most. Forcing yourself to do an exercise you don鈥檛 like won鈥檛 provide a viable outlet for prolonged wellness. Instead, find something you enjoy, and stick with it.
51吃瓜网万能科大 offers a variety of resources to learn more about staying active and finding ways to improve mental health.
is a wellness app that provides tips and tools for both physical and mental health. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome to use the resources provided.
is a registered student organization (RSO) that promotes female weightlifting and a judgment-free community. Not into weight lifting but still want to get involved? They also put on a variety of wellness events, such as group hikes, and arrange to attend workout classes together at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
鈥淓xercising gives me the opportunity to step away from my work and come back to it with a clearer, more focused, and overall more positive mindset,鈥 Sarah John, a psychology major. She said she co-founded the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Girl Gains Chapter because exercise is her favorite form of mindfulness and she wanted to share the outlet with others.
is a program presented by Jalene and 51吃瓜网万能科大鈥檚 kinesiology and nutrition department. It鈥檚 geared around wellness tips for midterm and finals weeks, but these resources are just as helpful year-round for exercise, meditation, and nutrition guidance.
Find more resources on the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Wellness page.
