Exercise releases neurotransmitters and endorphins, the feel-good brain chemicals that help ease anxiety and depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercise also boosts the immune system, which can be affected by negative moods, and makes a person feel good, helping improve self-confidence and banish worries. People who exercise regularly usually meet other people with the same interests, and the increased social interaction helps depressive thoughts fade away.
Short Workouts
Beginners and people who regularly exercise can benefit from short bursts of exercise. Even a 10-minute walk or 10 minutes on a stationary bicycle can improve moods for a couple of hours, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. This is a good way to begin if you want to gradually expand a regular exercise program. People who already exercise regularly still can benefit from taking a few minutes to walk away from a stressful situation for a while and improve their moods.
Aerobic Exercise
Walking, swimming, bicycling or even dancing are intense enough to keep the heart pumping to provide physical and mental health benefits. People can look for activities they enjoy to give them similar benefits. It does not take a strenuous workout to see improvements in moods once a person's exercise program begins. Try to get in about 30 minutes of exercise a day most days of the week to reap the physical and mental rewards. Avoid competitive sports when bothered by anxiety or depression; the competition or possibility of defeat may cause more negative moods for people with a competitive nature.
Yoga
Yoga exercises help to rest the mind and improve balance. Yoga helps reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure and rid feelings of emotional distress, according to Harvard Health Publications. The controlled breathing methods used in yoga show promise in relieving depression.
Tai Chi
Tai chi uses gentle movements using the arms and legs to help achieve balance and provide a calming effect throughout the body. It is a good exercise for stress management. Seniors who develop balancing problems often regain their balancing abilities following tai chi exercise. Their improved physical well-being helps provide a positive mood.
Meditation
Meditating while sitting in a chair or lying down can improve moods, but it can be used with such physical activities as walking or swimming as well. People can repeat a mantra--a word or phrase that reinforces positive thoughts--during moderate exercise. The positive thoughts get rid of the negative thinking that contributes to anxiety or depression. Thinking positively while exercising adds to its physical benefits.
