Mounting evidence points to physical activity as an excellent way to treat and prevent mental health problems. Physical activity seems comparable to psychotherapy for treating milder cases of anxiety and depression. Both anxiety and depression are common symptoms of a failure to cope with mental stress. Physical activity is therefore a welcome tool for coping with mental stress. Anxiety Anxiety is typified by a tendency to react to situations with worry, self-doubt and apprehension.
Physical activity can help that.
A single exercise session often leads to a reduction in anxiety, lasting from two to four hours. Relaxation, quiet rest or psychotherapy show similar improvements, but physical activity has longer-lasting effects. Physical activity helps both conditions. Experiments using long-term exercise show anxiety reductions in generally anxious people, especially those with low to moderate anxiety. Anxiety levels decrease when individuals pursue a physical activity program for at least 10 weeks.