All types of physical activity, including yoga, are beneficial for mental health, but sticking to a higher intensity exercise programme of 12 weeks or less is the most effective in relieving mental health symptoms, according to research. — AFP
A major public health issue, and even more in the spotlight since the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health is now considered one of the greatest blights of our time. "While effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. In some cases, physical activity may be more effective than some current treatments for mental disorders, including anxiety and psychological distress.Published in the, the study states that"physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress".
Looking at a wide range of populations including healthy adults, the study revealed that people suffering from depression, pregnant women, postpartum women, healthy people and people with HIV or kidney disease benefited the most from exercise. "We hope this review will underscore the need for physical activity, including structured exercise interventions, as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety," adds Professor Carol Maher, who also worked on the study.