Physical Activity

Physical activity is thought to have positive effects on mood. Many people report feeling better after exercising, although this is by no means universal. It has also been proposed that regular physical activity relieves depression and helps people cope with stress. This entry examines the evidence underlying these claims, summarizing the information that has been obtained from various very different research paradigms. The implications of a favourable issue of somatogenetic activity on mood are far reaching, since they are related to the well being of the population at large, the mental health of vulnerable individuals, and the maintenance of longterm adherence to physical activity programs. For the novice, activeness level can start at very light and would include an step-up in vertical activities, specific chores like room painting, pushing a wheelchair or cooking, next level would be light activity such as slow walking.