Hot off the press, this report summarizes the last three decades of research on the links between exercise and mental health.
Does Exercise Impact Mental Health?
Briefly:
- Existing scientific research overwhelmingly indicates that exercise and physical activity benefit mental health.
- 89% of all published peer-reviewed research between 1990 and 2022 found a positive, statistically significant relationship between exercise/physical activity and mental health.
- Overall, three to five 30-45-minute moderate to vigorous exercise sessions per week appear to deliver optimal mental health benefits.
- People meeting criteria for depressive disorders should be prescribed 30-45 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise 3-5 times per week, ideally beginning with structured group supervised exercise, or individual coaching by a physical therapist or fitness professional.
- Evidence supports prescribing yoga, qi gong, or mind-body movement for people experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Cardiovascular/aerobic and strength/resistance training should be encouraged and monitored for effectiveness.
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[This blog was first published Aug 30, 2022: https://www.johnwbrickfoundation.org/move-your-mental-health-report/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=ac86ccd7-31dd-4306-a988-f5e53de77336]
Check out IMHU’s course that suggests effective integrative methods for overcoming depression: https://courses.imhu.org/courses/overcome-depression-effective-methods
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“From cycling to weight training to yoga: this state-of-the-art report conveys which forms of physical activity are best for which psychological conditions, identifies trends to watch, and makes crucial recommendations for next steps of integrating physical activity into recovery from mental health challenges.”—Deepak Chopra, M.D.Integrative Medicine Pioneer and NYT Bestselling Author
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“The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation has made a groundbreaking contribution to expanding our approaches to mental health care with this report. It makes 30 years of research on movement and mental health immediately accessible to guide families and professionals in incorporating physical activity into fostering mental and emotional wellbeing.”–Mimi Guarneri, MD, FACCPresident, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine; Medical Director, Pacific Pearl La Jolla
Learn more by downloading the JWB Foundation Move Your Mental Health™ report today