by Alyson Bostwick

MFT, Personal Counselor, Triathlete

We all know that exercise helps develop a lean body, strong muscles, and a strong heart. But many people are unaware of the incredible mental-health benefits of exercise. From my own personal experience as an athlete and exercise lover, and from the experiences and testimonials of the many clients whom I have had the privilege to counsel, exercise increases energy, improves sleep, decreases anxiety and depression, improves concentration, and can lead to increased self-esteem. Adding an exercise regime that is enjoyable can lead to major changes and improvements in one’s attitude, personal relationships, and ability to manage negative emotions. This factor bears repeating: If one intends to include exercise in his or her life as a positive lifestyle change, the importance of finding physical activities that one enjoys is paramount; otherwise exercise can easily become viewed as a task—a “should”—rather than as a healthy, fun, positive release—a “want.”

Feelings of well-being are generated during and after exercise as a direct consequence of the body’s natural release of endorphins during strenuous activity. These wonderful, pleasure-inducing chemicals released by the brain are the body’s natural painkillers, and they can lead to an increase in feelings of happiness—and thus to longer-term mental health. With consistent physical activity and exercise, a regular release of endorphins results, and this can significantly and positively alter negative patterns of thought and behavior and can assist in breaking vicious patterns of self-destructive behavior.

There is increasing evidence for the wellness and mental-health benefits of exercise. Researchers at Duke University recently studied people suffering from depression and found that 60% of the participants who exercised for 30 minutes three times a week for four months overcame their depression without using antidepressant medication. This is the same percentage rate as for those who only used medication in their treatment for depression. I have become a firm believer in “prescribing” exercise long before suggesting anti-depressant pharmaceuticals. Exercise is, in my opinion, the best anti-depressant “medication” that exists. In counseling my own students and evaluating at their overall wellness, I will regularly encourage exercise as a wellness activity that can profoundly overcome and prevent many physical and emotional conditions.

As someone who has exercised regularly since I was 15 years old, I often wonder where my life would be without regular physical activity. It is such a positive, built-in part of my life, and it has, I believe, made me who I am today in so many ways. I truly believe it helps me to be a better counselor, wife, mom, friend, and colleague.

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