Mental health activities for high school students

5 Benefits of exercise to improve mental health of high school students

Although Hippocrates suggested that walking is the best medicine of mankind, exercise has become a popular tool for those seeking to sculpt, firm or create a body more in line with the societal definition of beauty. While some people choose to practice a balanced workout for their health, most of us exercise (or abuse exercise) in the hope of becoming thinner, muscular, stronger or more beautiful.

Interestingly, research now suggests that exercise is not only important for physical health, but can also serve as a cure for many mental health disorders of high school students. In addition, the exercise dose seems to be minimal and easy to incorporate into the busiest schedules. We are not talking only about the effect of exercise on good mood, but about particular mental disorders that may require medication and / or therapy.

1. Exercise and overall mental health

We may know the connection between exercise and mood, but research has also determined that exercise can have a positive effect on negative emotions such as anger. In addition, physical activity in a group encourages a sense of social connection, a greater sense of control and a high level of self-esteem.

Training can have a positive influence on sleep (if you are already sleeping well), and the effect only increases with the duration of workouts. Finally, studies have shown small but significant improvements in cognitive function among high school students who are increasing their aerobics practice.

2. Exercise and depression

An important body of research suggests that exercise is effective in treating depression. Nanette Mutrie, professor of physical activity for health at the University of Edinburgh, said exercise can have the same antidepressive effect on depression as other therapies. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that aerobics and resistance exercises can be combined with other treatments for moderate to severe depression.

Exercise physiologists have suggested that to enjoy the benefits of exercise on depression, it should be practiced in a group setting. For example, walking in a group or with another person is ideal. In addition, studies have shown that when we connect with nature, we experience increased levels of well-being compared to a gym environment.

3. Exercise and anxiety

There are two ranks of anxiety: state anxiety and behavior anxiety. If you are anxious about speaking in public, you may be suffering from state anxiety in relation to a particular event. On the other hand, if you are habitually and constantly anxious, you may experience behavior anxiety. The good news is that research has shown a reduction in both types of anxiety after exercise.

Interestingly, a single exercise session can reduce state anxiety, while regular long-term exercise can have similar effects on behavior anxiety. in addition, studies have shown that aerobics would be more beneficial to people who are highly anxious compared to resistance or flexibility training.

4. Exercise and chronic stress

Exercise has always been touted as an effective way to manage stress for high school students. It helps reduce our sensitivity to stress while reducing the impact of negative emotions related to an important event in our lives.


Researchers have reported that those high school students who train regularly are less affected by these stresses of life than those who do not exercise. In addition, students who were training regularly also reported experiencing less stress, depression and anxiety.

5. Exercise and treatment of addiction

As well as the controversy surrounding the use of exercise in the treatment of eating disorders, there has been some reluctance to introduce exercise to the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. However, research has supported the implementation of exercise as a means of improving self-esteem and controlling abstinence.

In addition, because exercise is accepted as a means of reducing anxiety and depression, it can improve the quality of life and reduce the feelings of anxiety and depression associated with addiction disorders.