Psychology TopicsSport & 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
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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.
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Exercise fuels the brain's stress buffers
Exercise may lower rates of anxiety and depression by helping the brain cope better with stress.
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Working out builds the mind's muscles
Exercise may make your mind stronger along with your body.
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
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Concussions and how a neuropsychologist helps
By understanding concussions, you can prevent further damage and potentially devastating consequences.
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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.
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Sport psychologists help professional and amateur athletes
Sport psychologists can help you overcome problems, enhance your performance and achieve your goals.
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Sport psychology off the field
Sport psychology techniques like visualization, cognitive restructuring and deep breathing can also help you on the job.
News
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How mindfulness can jumpstart our exercise routines
February 18, 2015, The New York Times
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The psychology of why sports fans see their teams as extensions of themselves
January 30, 2015, The Washington Post
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Yoga: A treatment for grief?
January 7, 2015, U.S. News & World Report
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Self-defeating thoughts can wreck your workout
January 2, 2015, Today
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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A natural fit
September 2013
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The exercise effect
December 2011
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Another reason to break a sweat
June 2010
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Athletics scores big points for women's well-being
April 2010
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Coaching the coaches
April 2010