Sport & exercise

Regular physical activity is good for your body, reducing the risk that you’ll develop high blood pressure, heart disease, colon cancer or diabetes.

Exercise is also good for your mind. Regular activity can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Plus, staying active helps people maintain their strength, flexibility and endurance as they age.

Fortunately, brisk walking and other forms of regular moderate activity seem to be just as effective as more rigorous workouts when it comes to promoting psychological health.

Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology

What You Can Do

Making lifestyle changes that last
Starting small, focusing on one behavior at a time and support from others can help you achieve your exercise or other health-related goals.
Exercise fuels the brain's stress buffers
Exercise may lower rates of anxiety and depression by helping the brain cope better with stress.
Working out builds the mind's muscles
Exercise may make your mind stronger along with your body.

Getting Help

Find a Psychologist
The key to making lasting lifestyle and behavioral changes:
Is it will or skill?
With help from family, friends or a psychologist, you can develop willpower and stay on track with your goals.
Sport psychologists help professional and amateur athletes
Sport psychologists can help you overcome problems, enhance your performance and achieve your goals.
Sport psychology off the field
Sport psychology techniques like visualization, cognitive restructuring and deep breathing can also help you on the job.