Health Challenge Wales

How does exercise improve mental health?

 

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 people in the UK during their lifetime. We offer local services to help people who suffer from mental distress and who live in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

We know that exercise has positive effects on the brain. Researchers at Duke University demonstrated several years ago that exercise can be an effective antidepressant.

 

Exercise - the key to good mental healthOther research has shown that exercise can improve the brain functioning of the elderly, and may even protect against dementia. 

 

The bottom line is that most of us feel good after exercise, and it's probably not from endorphins. Physical exercise is good for our mental health and for our brains. Someday we will understand it all better - but we can start exercising today.

 

Useful links

Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU, Tel: (01446) 700111