As more is learned about the interrelationship between the human body and the human mind, more also will be learned about what specifically triggers good mental health or the lack of it. There is already a lot known on the periphery of the issue. Studies about depression and anxiety “have shown inverse associations between physical activity and these disorders” (Kantomaa, 2008). It is also known that mind-centered activities, such as meditation and prayer, can promote physical well being. It is logical, therefore, to believe that physical activities affect the mind.
Looking at the issue from a different angle – Inactivity has been associated with physical mental and behavioral problems. This link in adults is relatively clear. An emerging body of research is pointing toward the same conclusions for children. A study of Finnish adolescents found statistically significant correlations between inactivity and: – Anxious/depressed symptoms – Social problems – Thought problems – Attention problems – Somatic complaints – Rule-breaking behavior (Kantomaa Et al. , 2008) Studies such as this one cannot draw direct causal links between inactivity and any of these conditions.
There are many other associated factors and the overall body of research is still relatively small, especially in reference to younger populations. By the same token, no similar study has found exercise to be harmful to mental health. The potential harm of exercise on mental health is minuscule while the potential benefits appear to be great. There is more than enough evidence of the harmful effects of inactivity to merit further study into the psychological impact of both exercise and of the lack of exercise.
Meanwhile realization of the association between physical activity and psychological well-being is growing. The realization of the societal costs of such conditions as depression is also beginning to sink in. Some forward looking nations and organizations are creating comprehensive mental/physical health programs that cite findings of: Exercise and decreased depression, the stress reduction effects of exercise, the association of exercise and positive mood, improvement in cognitive function in
fit older adults, and positive effects of exercise on physical self-perceptions and body image. (Donaghy, 2007) The level of physical activity required to produce mental benefits varies among individuals. In any case vigorous activity over a period of time is required to stimulate the endorphin release that appears to be closely related to feelings of well-being. For example, groups that exercised either 61–90 min per session experienced larger reductions in anxiety (effect size = ? 0. 61) than groups who exercised for 1–30 or 31–60 min per session (effect sizes = 0. 41, and ? 0. 31, respectively) (Wipfli, 2008).
The type of physical activity is not as important for physical and mental health as are the intensity and frequency of exercise. “Both strength training and aerobic exercise have been shown to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders and low to mid-level depression (Tkachuk and Martin, 1999). Obviously the more enjoyable the exercise is to the client and the higher their level of participation is in choosing it, the better the odds are for reaping a mental health benefit.