Four crucial factors: Doctor explains how sports affects mental health

Stress, anxiety, and depression have become widespread issues, and an increasing number of people are seeking ways to improve their mental well-being. One such way is physical activity, which has a significant impact on mental health.

Hormonal Impact

One of the key aspects of the relationship between physical activity and mental health is the production of substances in the brain, such as endorphins.

Endorphins are known as "happiness hormones" because they help reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate pain.

Regular physical activity stimulates the production of hormones, leading to improvements in emotional and overall mental states.

Reducing anxiety and depression

Research confirms that regular physical activity helps reduce the levels of anxiety and depression.

Physical exertion contributes to the increased release of serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a crucial role in mood regulation and relaxation.

Sports also contribute to lowering stress levels, as physical activity helps reduce cortisol levels.

Improvement of self-esteem and cognitive functions

Sports help improve self-esteem and self-respect. Achieving physical goals and improving physical fitness can impact one's perception of oneself and self-worth.

This is especially important for people suffering from depression or anxiety. Physical activity also has a positive impact on cognitive functions, such as the ability to concentrate, memory, and decision-making.

Social dimension

Sport can also contribute to social integration and reduce feelings of loneliness. By being part of a sports team or group, people have the opportunity to communicate, build new relationships, and find support within the community.

Physical activity is a powerful tool for improving mental health. Regular exercise promotes the release of endorphins, reduces anxiety and depression, enhances self-esteem, improves cognitive functions, and supports social connections.

Therefore, sports not only help us stay physically healthy but also contribute to our mental well-being.

Earlier, we wrote about common everyday habits that weaken the immune system.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.