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Permissions and licensing Assessment Consultants Conferences & Workshops Supplemental Resources Support Forms Qualification Levels Frequently Asked Questions Be a Duck Software Updates PARiConnect Sign Up Sign In Search 1.800.331.8378 Sign In Wondering where to start? Visit our solutions page to get answers to all your questions. This site requires JavaScript to be enabled onthe most cardiovascular benefits from exercise. The study also found that physical activity enhances prefrontal cortex function, which helps regulate stress responses in the brain. Enhances Mood Exercise is also a powerful mood enhancer. It activates the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and endocannabinoids , also known as feel-good” chemicals. These little mood boosters can ease depression and anxiety symptoms, potentially preventing these conditions from recurring. Improves Sleep Regular exercise can significantly improve sleep quality. But first, why is good sleep crucial to positive mental health? Studies show that sleep deficits can change activity in some parts of the brain. When this happens, it can lead to a person having trouble solving problems, controlling emotions and behavior, and managing change. Sleep deficiency is also linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior. Research reveals that physical activity can counteract these issues because it contributes to better sleep efficiency, longer sleep duration, and quicker sleep onset. One study explains why : Physical activity releases endorphins, lowering stress and spurring better sleep. Exercise regulates circadian rhythms, and a rise in body temperature followed by a decrease helps to activate sleep. Physical activity stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, which are involved in relaxation, assisting in better sleep onset. Now that we know how exercise can protect mental health, it’s time to spotlight its role as preventive medicine. Exercise as Preventive Medicine Engaging in regular physical activity lowers the risks of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Here is some notable research supporting these benefits: One study found physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy. Research reveals that individuals with general anxiety disorder and PTSD had a noticeable reduction of anxiety symptoms with regular exercise. One study discovered that exercise of any intensity protects against future depression. Another way physical activity can lower the risk of mental health issues is by reducing inflammation. Immediately after exercising, the muscles release myokines , hormones produced by muscle tissue, which clean up inflammation. Through consistent exercise, the body becomes less and less inflamed. This is important because inflammation impacts mood by altering the production of serotonin (the feel-good” hormone). When this malfunction happens, it can be challenging to shut off the stress response. Creating an Effective Exercise Routine for Better Mental Health Understanding exercise’s protective factors on mental health is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in building a routine that boosts physical fitness and promotes better mental health. Here are four easy guidelines to get started: Start simple and work your way up. Even short bouts of exercise matter. Try different types of exercise until you find one that makes you happy. Focus on results like improved mood and energy level as motivation. Maintain consistency. It’s clear that exercise isn’t just a powerhouse for physical health; it also protects against potential mental health problems. Whether a seasoned athlete or someone just starting out, remember that each step and stretch contributes to a stronger body and a more resilient mind. So, get out there and get moving! [SOCMEDIA]Prioritizing Student Wellbeing: Mental Health Days May 7th, 2024This article is part of PAR’s Mental Health Awareness Month series, in which we will be focusing on the multifaceted issue of mental health in the U.S. Come back each week for more insight. Before the pandemic, reports indicated a concerning increase in mental health issues among American youth, including rising feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. There was already an approximate 40% surge in these factors before the COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional stressors such as social isolation, disruptions in daily routines, and economic strain due to caregiver job losses. These stressors led to a significant increase in mental health emergencies , with a 24% increase in emergency department visits for mental health issues among children aged 5–11 and a 31% increase among those aged 12–17. Suspected suicide attempts among girls aged 12–17 also rose by 51% in 2021 compared to 2019. The issue of chronic absenteeism, where students miss 10% or more of instructional days per year, has only added to the existing problems. Before the pandemic, in the academic year 2021–2022, more than 66% of students attended schools where 20% or more of the student population was chronically absent. In 2023, 26% of students continued to be chronically absent . Mental health concerns are one of the reasons many cite for this increase in chronic absenteeism. State Efforts Several states have responded to students’ mental health challenges by enacting laws allowing for mental health days. Minnesota took the lead in 2009 by passing a bill that recognized excused absences for mental...