User:Rubini K/sandbox

Mental health has increased over the years all around the world. People are struggling with severe depression, anxiety disorders, etc. Many are given drugs and think that will solve all of their problems. However, the rates are still up there and many even state that the drugs wear off and they need higher prescriptions. What they don’t know is that exercise is a natural and effective treatment. Clinical studies were done and there are indications that exercise can be a treatment for serious mental disorders. These mental disorders include severe depression, anxiety disorders, substance dependence, and schizophrenia. Exercise benefits those with anxiety as it relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins. Exercise is also a powerful depression fighter for several reasons. Another reason why exercise is considered treatment is because it can be a distraction that allows the mind to break the cycles of negative thinking, which causes a spike in one's anxiety. Along with it being a distraction it also improves self-esteem and self-confidence. Those with these mental health issues also have low self-esteem which can cause them to lack interaction with other people. Exercising increases self-confidence and can help them better interact with others. It is also known that exercise relieves muscle tension along with burning off stress hormones. Another key thing that exercise does is increase body temperature which gives a calming effect. Those with severe depression or anxiety develop intense discomfort but when warm they feel safe and secure, which is why when their body temperature increases it lets them calm down, along with releasing their stress. Along with this, it promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in our brain that energize our spirits and make us feel good.[23] It is clear that physical activity benefits mental health, but the "areas in life that present opportunities for physical activity" (or domains) affect mental health differently and therefore should be considered. For example, leisure-time physical activity and active transportation have a positive association with mental health while work-related physical activity is positively associated with mental ill-health. [24]