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What Exercise Does To Your Brain
A healthy but highly underrated drug for your mental health
We all know that exercise is good for your body and your brain.
But why?
It’s a known fact that exercise decreases depression and anxiety.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, regular aerobic exercise can reduce symptoms of anxiety by up to 20% and depression by up to 30%.(Source: ADAA)
A 2023 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine also found that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than leading medications or counseling for reducing symptoms of depression (Source: BJSM, 2023)
How?
And what kind of exercise does that?
Today, we are going to answer all these questions in this article.
You have probably heard of a term called “runner’s high,” which describes a phenomenon where, after intense aerobic exercise like running, you can experience this euphoric feeling and sense of well-being. For years, it was hypothesized that this was due to the release of endorphins, which are your body’s natural opiates.
Well, it turns out the runner’s high isn’t that common among runners. But anyone can experience a…