Regular physical activity improves mental health as much as physical health, especially in sedentary people.
According to the WHO, it “reduces the risk of mental diseases by focusing on psychological aspects such self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-control. Exercise can also stop stress, despair, and anxiety-related thinking.”
Sport: a social bonding component
Physical and sports activities with coworkers, friends, family, or a club or association enhance social bonds and encourage integration.
Meeting regularly to walk or play sports with others helps you bond and meet new people. Helps combat isolation, especially in the elderly, and reduces the incidence of psychological illnesses.
Mental health benefits
Regular exercise has been shown to:
- Shorter sleep onset and fewer nocturnal awakenings improve sleep quality.
- Decrease tension and anxiety.
- Boost self-esteem.
- Participate in group activities to combat loneliness.
- Limit negative thoughts to improve mood.
- Improve neurotransmitter activity to prevent mental illness.
A collective Olympic/Paralympic momentum
The 2024 National Cause, part of the Olympic Games, encourages all French citizens to exercise 30 minutes a day, regardless of age or fitness.
Join us for the Mental Health Information Weeks from October 7 to 20, 2024, with the subject “In motion for our mental health” to promote physical activity's mental health benefits. This yearly public event invites citizens, associations, and professionals to share and organize information and reflection acts around France.
The High Authority for Health (HAS) says regular exercise or sports defend against stress, anxiety, and depression at any age.
Exercise decreases symptoms, improves quality of life, and prevents relapses in depressed persons. A 3-month mixed-adapted physical activity program (endurance and muscle training) improves mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Benefits are comparable to medication or psychotherapy.
Here I go!
Walking, cycling, having a family walk, taking an active lunch break, and taking the stairs instead of the escalators are good starting points.
The Maisons Sport advise and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds who want to exercise for health and well-being. Use the map to discover the nearest MSS.
Doctors may prescribe adapted physical activity for patients with a long-term condition (ALD), chronic disease, risk factors, or loss of autonomy who cannot practice independently and need a specific program in a secure setting (APA).
After an examination, the APA program includes health-specific activities. Health insurance does not support adaptive physical activity, but some ARS, mutual insurance companies, and municipalities fund it.
