
According to Faulkner and Taylor’s text, Exercise, Health, and Mental Health, we know the following about the mental health benefits of exercise (Faulkner & Taylor 2005):
Anxiety
- Exercise has a low-to-moderate anxiety reducing effect.
- Single sessions of moderate exercise can reduce short-term physical reactivity and enhance recovery from brief stressors.
- A number of studies support the link between exercise and decreased depression
- Experimental studies suggest that both aerobic and resistance training may be used to treat moderate-to-severe depression.
- Physical activity has been commonly associated with positive mood and affect.
- Empirical studies suggest that aerobic exercise has a small-to-moderate effect in vigor, tension, depression, fatigue, confusion, and anger.
- Find a team sport and make an effort to build new relationships (try meetup.com).
- Workout with a partner.
- Find a team or one-on-one sports activity that you and your partner can enjoy together.
I have worked with many individuals in my practice who have experienced difficulties with sudden trauma. Exercise gives them relief but also helps them feel in control when they are suddenly feeling a loss of control. Professionally (as a psychologist), the prognostic outlook is always better when individuals engage in regular exercise and practice self-care.
References:
Faulkner, Guy., Taylor, Adrian. (2008). Exercise, health, and mental health. Routledge, New York: NY:2
Places you may find helpful (Generated by Google Maps on June 2, 2013):
*Please note* The staff at CSYR gathered these contacts from google maps and haven't varified if these companies are still active and serving customers.