We all know that regular exercise can increase someone’s strength and endurance over time. However, some people are not aware of the positive mental health benefits that you can gain from exercising. As we prepare for the launch of our annual Lace Up for Lungs campaign, I hope that having a little insight on how exercise can help your mind, you may consider joining us next month!
There is an endless list of the benefits of exercise, but you cannot beat the fact that exercise lessens anxiety and/or stress and depression.1 When you have COPD or another lung condition, you can often have feelings of worry and stress. Will you be able to pay for your medications next month? Will you disappoint your family if you decide to cancel your plans? Will you become short of breath when you are singing in the church choir? Not to mention, it has been found that almost 10% of the U.S. has depression which can cause weakening of the body over time.2,3 Exercise can help to lessen those feelings of stress and anxiety and this can last long after you exercise.1
Exercise also tends to improve self-esteem.4 Not only does your body start to feel stronger, but you may notice that you are able to do tasks more easily without becoming short of breath or as tired. You can imagine that this can build your confidence which may have an effect on whether you decide to participate in an activity or gathering.
Now you are probably wondering, “Why would exercise have all of these benefits?” There are several different theories as to why this happens. First, there is (what I would call) the “heat” theory (or thermogenic). Some scientists believe that when you exercise it causes your body temperature to go up. This slight rise in temperature affects areas of your brain that can cause you to relax and let go of tension in your muscles.5 Another cause scientists have explored is what I would call the “chemical” theory. When you exercise your body produces chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals improve your mood and help you to feel better overall.5 There are lots of other reasons like distraction that make sense too, however, no one is arguing that frequent exercise helps to reduce stress and improve your mental health.
If you want to learn more about exercise, visit our Learn More page on this topic. We hope that you will join us in Lacing Up for Lungs. This campaign has been a ton of fun over the last couple of years. The COPD360social community comes together and encourages each other to get some movement in each day all for a great cause…. LUNGS!
References:
- Sharma, Ashish, et al. "Exercise for Mental Health." Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 8, no. 2, 2006, p. 106, https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a. Accessed 13 Sept. 2023.
- Kessler RC, McGonagle KA, Zhao S, et al. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in the United States. Results from the National Comorbidity Survey. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1994;51(1):8-19. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1994.03950010008002
- Broadhead WE, Blazer DG, George LK, Tse CK. Depression, disability days, and days lost from work in a prospective epidemiologic survey. JAMA. 1990;264(19):2524-2528.
- Guszkowska M. Wpływ ćwiczeń fizycznych na poziom leku i depresji oraz stany nastroju [Effects of exercise on anxiety, depression and mood]. Psychiatr Pol. 2004;38(4):611-620.
- Craft LL, Perna FM. The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;6(3):104-111. doi:10.4088/pcc.v06n0301