How long does it take to achieve measurable mental health benefits with exercise?

Believe it or not, a mere 20 minutes per week will do the trick.

Researchers writing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reached that conclusion after studying responses from 20,000 men and women in a study that examined the connection between physical activity and their state of mind.

Any type of activity helps — going for a walk or run, doing aerobics or a regular exercise routine, gardening, or even simple housework! Those who conducted such regular activities on a weekly basis had reduced levels of mental health distress, such as anxiety or stress.

The results also suggested a data trend, so that the more activity one engages in (without taking it to an extreme, of course), the lower your chance of psychological or emotional distress.

So get up, turn off the computer and TV for a few minutes, and go for a walk! (I’ll join you…)

Read the full article: Aerobic Exercise Improves Mental Fitness

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 17 Apr 2008
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