You are reading Why is physical activity also good for the mood?

Sport

Why is physical activity also good for the mood?

March 12, 2018

When you exercise – explains Professor Daniela Lucini, Head of the Humanitas Section of Exercise Medicine – despite the effort, you feel a feeling of wellbeing because the body activates brain mechanisms and releases substances responsible for the sensation of wellbeing. In particular, the sensation of wellbeing is due to the body’s release of a series of neurotransmitters, first of all the endorphins also called “well-being hormones”. Finally, if you succeed in practicing a sport, you also discover that you have resources that you didn’t think you had, in addition to the fact that physical activity can also represent an opportunity to get out of isolation and socialize, at any age. According to the World Health Organization, up to 65 years of age, 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity of mild to moderate intensity, such as walking at a rapid pace or swimming, are sufficient to obtain all the benefits for physical health, but recent studies have shown that, for mental health, one hour of physical activity per week reduces the risk of depression.

You may also like

Do not miss our advice for your health

Sign up for the weekly Humanitas Health newsletter and get updates on prevention, nutrition, lifestyle and tips to improve your lifestyle