Final answer:
Aerobic exercise is beneficial for mental health as it can act as an antidepressant and euphoriant, improving mood and self-esteem. It's also shown to have long-term health benefits including reduced stress and decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research has consistently demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise has a significant effect on improving mood and has the potential to act as an antidepressant. Exercise stimulates the biosynthesis of neurochemicals which may have euphoriant effects, similar to those experienced in "runner's high."
These substances contribute to exercise's ability to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, thus making aerobic exercise a recommended treatment alongside or in place of pharmaceutical antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression.
Exercise not only functions as an antidepressant and euphoriant in the short term but also contributes to long-term improvements in mood and self-esteem.
Physical exercise is also associated with a plethora of other mental health benefits, including stress reduction, improved body image, positive self-esteem, and diminished anxiety symptoms.
Furthermore, this activity has been indicated as an adjunct therapy for central nervous system disorders and may help in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Endorphins and endocannabinoids, released during vigorous exercise, seem to play a vital role in the body's natural response to reducing pain and enhancing pleasure, potentially leading to the positive impact of exercise on mental health.
Another physiological benefit of exercise includes its ability to buffer stress mechanisms, which could decrease the risk of disease and cognitive decline while improving overall longevity and quality of life.