Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC

 Specialists in psychological assessment, therapy, and counseling for 

anxiety, depression, and trauma throughout Florida. 

physical activity boosts mental health
Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash
Picture of Benson Munyan, Ph.D.

Benson Munyan, Ph.D.

Physical Activity Boosts Mental Health

The research is clear: Physical activity boosts mental health. Research has robustly demonstrated that exercising improves sleep, emotional regulation, and energy levels. But how are physical activity or exercise linked to mental health and symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress?

Keep reading.

Why is physical activity so good for mental health?

Exercise and physical activity improve both cardiovascular and psychological health. Exercise is known to be associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality,  stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Physical activity is also a great way to simultaneously improve mental health. A recent cross-sectional study found that those who exercise experienced less mental health burden regardless of exercise type.

Exercise and physical activity also improve psychological health through a multitude of benefits. Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.

physical activity boosts mental health
Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash

How does physical activity work to improve your mental health?

Exercising increases levels of two key neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are commonly referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that naturally elevate mood. Norepinephrine and serotonin are released in the brain after exercise and they help your brain to calm down and relax. The more physical activity you do, the higher your NE and 5-HT levels are.

Regularly exercising can increase the number of short-term episodes of depression you’ll have. In fact, research shows that exercise can lower the risk of depression by up to 40 percent. That’s why it’s so important to start a regular exercise routine. When you start exercising regularly, you’ll usually notice an improvement in your mood and in the quality of your sleep.

What are the benefits of physical activity on mental health?

Strengthening your body has many benefits. In addition to strengthening your physical health, exercise can improve your mental health. Exercise can boost your mood. Exercise can also help lower stress levels.  Physical activity can also double as a way of increasing social interaction. Exercise can improve your sleep as physical exertion increases the body’s demand for rest.

physical activity boosts mental health
Photo by Jonny Kennaugh on Unsplash

What type of physical activity is best for your mental health?

There are numerous types of physical activity that can help improve your mental health.  The largest associations were seen for popular team sports (such as Soccer, Football, Baseball, or Football), followed by cycling,  and finally, aerobic and gym activities. The most beneficial duration of activity was approximately 45 minutes with frequencies of three to five times per week.

Conclusion

Eating healthy and engaging in some form of exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity can improve your physical and mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, and boosting your self-esteem, energy, and social engagement.

References

  1. Chekroud, S. R., Gueorguieva, R., Zheutlin, A. B., Paulus, M., Krumholz, H. M., Krystal, J. H., & Chekroud, A. M. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1· 2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 739-746.
  2. Cook, B., Wonderlich, S. A., Mitchell, J., Thompson, R., Sherman, R., & McCallum, K. (2016). Exercise in eating disorders treatment: systematic review and proposal of guidelines. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 48(7), 1408.
  3. Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry, 8(2), 106.
  4. North, T. C., McCullagh, P. E. N. N. Y., Tran, Z. V., Lavallee, D. E., Williams, J. M., Jones, M. V., & Papathomas, A. C. (2008). Effect of exercise on depression.
Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Dr. Benson Munyan is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in both Florida and Arizona. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine and the Director of Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Munyan earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He currently holds clinical privileges at both Neurocove Behavioral Health and the Orlando Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System. He has also previously published clinical research and articles in peer-reviewed journals including PLoS One and Clinical Case Studies.
Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Latest posts by Benson Munyan, Ph.D. (see all)

Contact Us

Phone Icon-email1 Fax

Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC

licensed clinical psychologist therapy in orlando dr benson munyan clinical psychologist therapy in orlando

Social Media

Instagram Linkedin Researchgate Twitter Facebook

© 2020-2022 by Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC.

Jessica Candelo LMHC Orlando Therapist

Jessica Candelo, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

ABOUT ME

My name is Jessica Candelo, LMHC, but you can call me Jess, if you’d like. I am a Marine Corps veteran and a mom which both play into my experiences and understanding of life. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, parenting stress, military related stressors and/or traumas, and addictions. I focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment, paired with evidence-based therapies to suit the needs of my clients and meet their personal goals of recovery and growth. It’s not easy and sometimes we just want to throw in the towel, but that does not have to be the final answer. Together we can work through what you’re experiencing and move toward a place of healing.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that cultivating a healthy and strong therapeutic relationship is very important in the overall process of change. Our first session is geared towards getting to know each other as well as identifying and establishing the needs and focus of the treatment plan moving forward. It is my goal to ensure you feel safe, heard, and understood throughout each session so that a collaborative and well-established treatment plan is enacted.

MY APPROACH

I try to provide a genuine, light-hearted, and humanistic environment to every session. To be honest, I try to make sure every session feels like a normal conversation by utilizing everyday language and rhetoric; I might even through in some humor where appropriate because laughter can often feel like a breath of fresh air. Overall, I want you to feel like you can voice your needs and concerns without fear of judgement all while finding suitable, potential solutions. Life is hard to navigate at times but I’m here to help.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma-Focused
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification 
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Rachel Creamer, Ph.D.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Rachel Creamer. I specialize in providing evidenced-based care to those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. Seeking therapy takes tremendous courage. You are taking the first step toward positive change. We will work together to help you reach a fulfilling and values-driven life. 

OUR FIRST SESSION

The goal of our first session is to better understand what brings you to therapy and to get to know you better. In the first session we will also talk about your goals for treatment and ways to accomplish these goals. We will also focus on learning skills to help you start making positive changes today. 

MY APPROACH

Therapy can bring about great positive change. Fostering a safe and compassionate space for clients is the foundation for allowing growth in therapy. Therapy is collaborative. While I am the expert on evidence-based treatment, you are the expert on you. We will work together on reaching your treatment goals and creating a more gratifying life. 

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Couples Therapy (Gottman method)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Nicholas James Psychologist Orlando Florida

Nicholas James, Ph.D.

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Nicholas James, Ph.D. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, and caregiver strain. I focus on matching evidence-based therapies to the needs of my clients to meet their personal goals of recovery and growth.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that change occurs through personal reflection, cultivating strengths and resources, and incorporating growth into everyday life. It is my goal that each session is collaborative and integrates needs, beliefs, and your background into a person-centered treatment plan.

MY APPROACH

I try to bring a genuine, humanistic atmosphere to every session. My therapeutic approach is centered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates additional evidence-based practices to address unique needs that arise during therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma Focused
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Acceptance & Commitment (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification
  • Humanistic
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) 
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Benson Munyan Psychologist Orlando Florida

Benson Munyan, PhD, ABPP

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Benson Munyan. I am a board-certified clinical psychologist. I specialize in working with those experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something. Whatever the origin of your story, you are here. There is no time like the present to change our tomorrow.

OUR FIRST SESSION

From our very first session, skills are introduced, demonstrated, and assigned as practice assignments between meetings. I collaboratively set each session agenda with my clients, ensuring we have time for following up since the last session, troubleshooting any problems with skills or homework, and working on new problems or material.

MY APPROACH

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, life is hard. And sometimes, it downright sucks. There, I said it. I believe we should be able to use everyday language in therapy, and that participating in therapy as our most genuine selves empowers us to better understand the challenges we’re facing as well as potential solutions.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Skip to content