There are four main ways that sports and physical activity can promote better mental health outcomes. The first is that positive or rewarding hormones tend to be released into the brain when we exercise and soon afterwards. In turn, this can improve mental states and mood. Secondly, fewer of the stress hormones we might suffer from tend to be released when we are physically active. People who get into exercise will often report a 'buzz' from it, and this can be accounted for simply from hormones. However, exercising is often a social activity that offers a sense of accomplishment. Consequently, it can help boost morale and feelings of self-worth even if it is not always possible to commit to it regularly. Lastly, it should be added that exercise is likely to leave you more physically drained at the end of the day. This should mean that getting to sleep becomes progressively easier. Good quality sleep is also known to have a beneficial effect on mental well-being.
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