Five Ways Physical Activity Can Positively Impact Anxiety and Depression

By: Ben Strunk

Assistant director, sports programs

NC State Wellness and Recreation

NC State students certainly have a lot on their plate. Between schoolwork, jobs, clubs, personal relationships, hurricanes and a myriad of other influences, feeling anxious or depressed is very common. Thankfully, there are a number of resources and opportunities for students on campus to alleviate these feelings, including a remedy you may not think about–physical activity.

An American College Health Association survey found that nearly 40 percent of college students found it difficult to function due to depression in the prior year and 61 percent said they had “felt overwhelming anxiety.”

Keeping with the national trend, the NC State Counseling Center has added more counselors and resources to help support students facing depression and anxiety disorders, but the demand for counseling services continues to rise at an incredible pace.

To cope with anxiety, college students have developed a variety of techniques such as socializing with friends, defending their realm in Fortnite, trying the new burrito spot in town or binge-watching all nine seasons of The Office.

A healthy alternative that can make a major positive impact on anxiety and depression is regular physical activity. Regular exercise has a number of positive psychological and mental benefits. Here are five of the most important impacts:

Endorphin rush

Physical activity releases endorphins that trigger positive feelings in the body. These feelings can reduce the perception of pain and produce an energizing outlook on life.

Break the negative thought cycle

Playing a sport, taking a fitness class or other forms of exercise can give your mind a needed break from the stressors and worries that feed anxiety and depression.

Boost self-esteem and confidence

Regular physical activity can boost self-confidence by reaching workout goals, improving body satisfaction and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Building relationships

Working out with a partner, joining an intramural team or taking a group fitness class can help you meet a new friend or strengthen existing relationships. These friendly social interactions can boost mood and positive thinking.

Improve your health

In addition to boosting mental health, regular exercise has positive impacts on physical health, including weight management, strengthening bones/muscles and reducing the risk of certain diseases.

NC State Wellness and Recreation’s Move30 campaign encourages the Wolfpack community to realize these benefits on anxiety and depression by committing to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity each day.