Boosting Mental Health: Exercise Proves A Powerful Mental Health Tool

As we observe World Men’s Mental Health Month this
June, the spotlight turns to the mental wellbeing of men in
Aotearoa. National statistics reveal that one in eight men
will experience depression and one in five will face anxiety
at some point in their lives, making it more critical than
ever to address these issues. Alarmingly, suicide is the
second leading cause of death among young men under 25, and
Aotearoa has one of the highest youth suicide rates
globally. Overall, men are three to four times more likely
to die by suicide than women.

A recent
comprehensive study from the British Journal of Sports
Medicine provides compelling evidence on the benefits of
exercise for improving mental health outcomes. Key findings
show that exercise has been shown to be the most effective
intervention for improving three key branches that
contribute to mental health and wellbeing: 1) Depression, 2)
Anxiety, and 3) Psychological
Distress.

1. Depression: Physical
   activity helps reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise
   increases the production of endorphins and serotonin,
   chemicals in the brain that improve mood and promote a sense
   of wellbeing. Regular physical activity can also help reduce
   feelings of hopelessness and fatigue, commonly associated
   with depression.
2. Anxiety: Regular
   exercise alleviates anxiety symptoms. Engaging in physical
   activity helps lower the body’s stress hormones, such as
   cortisol, and triggers the release of endorphins, which act
   as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Exercise also
   promotes better sleep and can help alleviate the physical
   symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle
   tension.
3. Psychological Distress:
   Exercise significantly reduces psychological distress.
   Physical activity can serve as a healthy distraction,
   helping to break the cycle of negative thoughts that feed
   psychological distress. It also provides a sense of
   accomplishment and can improve self-esteem and cognitive
   function, making it easier to cope with
   stress.

Given the robust evidence, physical
activity and exercise should be integrated as a primary
approach in managing depression, anxiety, and psychological
distress. Exercise New Zealand CEO Richard Beddie argues
that “mental health has been neglected in Aotearoa for too
long, with far too much emphasis on prescribing drugs, which
has now been proven to be far less effective than exercise
in the largest global study of its kind”. Additionally,
“we commend the Government on appointing a Minister of
Mental Health. The challenge for the Minister will be making
sure the focus is on addressing root causes and giving
people real tools to help kiwis deal with life’s challenges
rather than just supporting the status quo of funding more
drugs” says
Beddie.

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