An article from The Huffington Post provided information from a study performed in England on the effects of exercise on mental illness. The study assigned one group of people who have mental illness to an exercise program and the other group to continue their normal routines. After ten weeks in the program these people experienced a 27 percent decrease in overall mental illness symptoms, while the group who didn’t participate in the exercise program experienced only an 8 percent decrease in similar symptoms.

Exercise has been proven to boost brain functions and reduce stress. Not only does it reduce stress but it boosts self-confidence, sharpens memory, helps with addiction, and increases creativity and relaxation. By boosting confidence levels and increasing levels of relaxation, people receive a decrease in mental illness symptoms. Because of the release of endorphins during exercise, stress and anxiety is also released and replaced with the feeling of relaxation. Relaxation helps to boost creativity which also helps to enhance mood.

If you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, whether that is depression, anxiety, etcetera, exercise is important. It is necessary to take 20 minutes out of your day to release some stress and boost your mood. If you are living with a mental illness you know that you would like to find new ways to make yourself happier. Exercise is a proven stress reliever and has helped many people fight their mental illness.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/exercise-may-help-young-people-with-severe-mental-health-disorders_us_56f17728e4b03a640a6bd3b1?utm_hp_ref=mental-health