More than half of Canada will have a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. Statistics Canada found that at least 20 percent of Canadians face a mental health issue, but many experts say the number is far higher. While traditional treatments like therapy and medication remain cornerstones of care, growing evidence supports the profound impact of exercise to improve mental health.
This week, FIC looks at the science-backed benefits of exercise for mental health, focusing on conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and the power of exercise as a prevention and treatment tool.
The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Health
Advocates of fitness for mental health understand that it doesn’t take a long time to see and feel the benefits of exercise on the body and the mind.