Exercise has always been linked to better mental health, but until recently researchers have struggled to prove why.
Work at the University of Georgia and the Indiana School of Medicine suggests that exercise not only increases the release of chemicals that help the brain deal with stress , but the consistent physical stress put on the body helps condition the brain as well. The chemical responsible is thought to be Norepinephrine, a neuromodulator that is produced in the locus coeruleus. Interestingly, this area of the brain connects most of the brain regions involved in emotional and stress responses.
Research also showed that unforced exercise--giving yourself options as opposed to sticking to a strict schedule--also improved depression levels.
So, how do you balance the two? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta suggests that physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve mental and physical health benefits. Emphasis on moderate amounts of exercise allows women to vary their activities to meet individual needs and preferences.
Whether you walk for 15 minutes twice a week or run for 30 every other day, your body will receive benefits. Of course, women who work out for longer periods of time or with increased intensity will derive greater benefits. But excessive amounts of activity only increase the risk of injury, menstrual abnormalities and bone weakening.