The Art of Manliness The Exercise Prescription for Depression and Anxiety
Sep 20, 2021
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Jasper Smits, a clinical psychologist and co-author of Exercise for Mood and Anxiety, champions exercise as a powerful remedy for depression and anxiety. He reveals how physical activity can be as effective as medication, and discusses the challenge of motivation when you're feeling low. Dr. Smits shares practical strategies for integrating exercise into daily life and emphasizes the brain-exercise connection. He also introduces the concept of 'temptation bundling' to make workouts more enjoyable, making mental health maintenance a bit easier.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Exercise as a Mental Health Tool
- Dr. Smits, a psychologist, explores exercise as a treatment for mood disorders, anxiety, and stress.
- He emphasizes exercise's comparable effectiveness to medication and therapy, especially for those who dislike traditional treatments.
Exercise vs. Traditional Treatments
- Exercise has been found to be as effective for depression as medication and psychotherapy in randomized controlled trials.
- While the evidence base for exercise is smaller, the effects are comparable, offering a viable alternative.
Personalized Exercise Plans
- Consider individual preferences and target specific issues when prescribing exercise.
- For example, group exercise may be more effective for those with depression related to isolation.
