Boost Happiness: Adopt Athletic Training Techniques

Understanding the Rise in Mental Health Issues

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Source: AI created “Exercise”

Over the years, there has been a noticeable increase in the levels of anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. For instance, between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of high school students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness has shot up from 28% to 42%. Furthermore, the percentage of Americans being treated for depression rose from 10% in 2015 to a staggering 17.8% in 2023.

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

There are numerous ways to improve your psychological well-being, one of the most effective being regular exercise. Although it’s known that physical activity benefits your heart, muscles, blood pressure, and balance, its impact on mental health is just as significant.

As Hippocrates wisely stated nearly 2,400 years ago, “If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” Modern scientific research has validated this ancient wisdom. Exercise promotes the release of key neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are crucial for mood regulation, focus, and cognitive function. When you engage in physical activities such as dancing or playing a sport, these chemical processes are triggered, boosting brain health, learning, memory, mood, and stress reduction.

The Immediate Impact of Exercise on Mood

Even with knowledge of the research behind the benefits of exercise, it can still be surprising to experience the immediate mood-lifting effects. Merely ten minutes into a workout, any stress or sadness you may be feeling can dissipate, leaving you better equipped to manage life’s daily challenges. In fact, feeling overwhelmed can often be an indication that it’s time for a workout.

Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, a daily runner and swimmer, talks about the transformative power of exercise: “I run to attain a void,” Murakami says. This “void” represents the distinct shift in mood that can occur during physical activity. However, Murakami also emphasizes that daily exercise provides lasting benefits for mental health, bolstering both physical and mental stamina.

Physical Strength and Professional Success

One need not be an athlete to benefit from regular exercise. From teachers who stand all day while attending to a room full of children to salespeople who face constant rejection, exercising regularly can provide the mental and physical resilience needed to succeed in challenging careers. Even career fields such as law, which is associated with high levels of stress, depression, and job dissatisfaction, can benefit from the mental fortitude that exercise provides.

It’s important to train like an athlete, not because it will land you a spot in the Paris Olympics, but because it can significantly improve your psychological health. Think of regular exercise as a form of survival training – one that can enhance your ability to navigate life’s challenges and, perhaps, even attain a state of the supernatural.