Benefits of Diet & Physical Activity
on Mental Health in College Student
Benefits of Physical Activity on Mental Health
In our society exercise is critical to our wellbeing, however many people do not engage in enough physical activity. Physical activity has the ability to improve our physical health as well as our mental health. When it comes to physical activity it is not just about being physically fit, it’s also about being mentally fit. This is especially important with college students as this time in your life could be seen as a transition period. So many new things are happening and it can be difficult to deal with. Physical activity can be helpful in managing the new things life throws at you.
What is Physical Activity?
The World Health Organization defines physical activity as, "any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure." Physical activity can include things such as walking, the things you do at work, and exercise. Exercise in particular is different from physical activity in that it is planned physical activity.
How Much is Enough?
When it comes to being physically active you can do:
•Moderate intensity: 150 minutes per week
or
•Vigorous intensity: 75 minuets per week
•Plus two days of muscle strengthening activities for 20 minutes
If you want a want an increased benefit:
•Moderate intensity: 300 minutes per week
or
•Vigorous intensity: 150 minutes per week
•Plus two days of muscle strengthening activities for 20 minutes
What Does Science Say?
In many different studies regarding physical activity and mental health there is a positive relationship between the two.  A review of the qualitative literature regarding mental heath and physical activity interventions found that, "Several meta-analyses have found exercise to have therapeutic benefits similar to those observed in psychotherapeutic interventions" (Mason & Holt, 2012). Physical activity has a positive therapeutic effect on mental health. Psychotherapy may not be accessible to everyone but physical activity can be a substitute to it.Â
College students experience many things that may negatively affect their mental health. A survey conducted among college students at several different colleges found that their, "...analyses indicate that among college students, vigorous PA is positively associated with better mental health and lower perceived stress" (VanKim & Nelson, 2013). Physical activity among college students can be a useful tool to benefit your mental health.
Exercise Therapy and Mental Illness
In this video researchers used exercise as a form of therapy for those suffering from severe post traumatic stress disorder.
Support on Campus
College campuses can be a great source for physical activity. Many campuses have gyms with different classes to take. There are programs, workshops, and events revolving around physical activity held on campus. If your college does not have events pertaining to physical activity it would be beneficial to have them.
In one study researchers adapted a high school program revolved around physical activity, nutrition, and mental health outcomes into a freshman 3 credit course at a university in the Southwest of the United States. The course resulted in, "...positive effects on the healthy lifestyle behaviors, mental health outcomes, and academic persistence in college students" (Melnyk, Kelly, Jacobson, Arcoleo, & Shaibi, 2014). It is critical that universities make physical activity accessible to students in order to improve their mental wellbeing.