Exercise feeds your mind
Active body, Active mind
Did you ever stop to think how our modern lives are so convenient that we actually need to make up ways for our bodies to have to work? Gone are the days where we walked where we were going, carried what we needed, chopped our own wood and built our own homes. They've been replaced by structured 8-hour school days and workdays at a desk. But that physical exertion is actually key to human thriving.
Why Exercise Matters for Mental Health
Exercise releases endorphins, improves sleep, changes how we process serotonin, and interrupts negative thoughts and rumination (over-thinking). It increases brain volume, generates neural synapses and improves blood flow—essentially rewiring your brain for better mental health.
What The Research Shows
The Optimal Combination
A combination of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with strength training is ideal for mental health benefits. However, any movement is better than none—start where you are.
As Effective as Medication
Exercise is proven to help treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders and addiction. For mild to moderate depression, regular exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medication.
Brain Transformation
Exercise increases brain volume, generates new neural synapses, and improves blood flow to the brain. It changes how we process serotonin and creates lasting structural changes.
Breaking the Rumination Cycle
Physical activity interrupts negative thoughts and over-thinking patterns, providing both immediate relief and long-term protection against mental health challenges.
What This Could Look Like
Examples tailored for adults
Start your morning with a workout, before everything else takes over.
Walk or ride a bike on errands that are close to home.
Schedule a regular walking date with a friend or loved one.
Go for a walk around the block when you find yourself in a cycle of over-thinking.
Join a gym, find a regularly scheduled class and commit to being there.
“It is remarkable how one's wits are sharpened by physical exercise.”
— Pliny the Younger