Are Sedentary Lifestyles Having an Impact on Our Mental Health?
While many of us have heard of the importance of working out for our physical well-being, is it just as important for our mental health? Studies have shown that many individuals who are suffering from mental health disorders get very little amount of physical activity a day. Individuals with mental disorders such as depression, spend about 7.8 hours a day being sedentary. This is much more time than individuals of the same age/gender group without these disorders spend being sedentary a day (National Library of Medicine [NIH], 2021).
Does a lack of Physical Activity Cause Mental Health Disorders?
While it isn't proven that a sedentary lifestyle can cause mental health disorders, studies have shown that physical activity can indeed help relieve symptoms! Research by The Lancet Psychiatry Medical Journal found that the amount of poor mental health days one experienced dropped by more than 40% with exercise (UCLA Health, 2018)! While exercise may not prevent prevalent mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, it sure can help those suffering from these illnesses feel a whole lot better!
