eli5: Why does working out helps so much with mental health?

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I have OCD and working out ALWAYS makes me feel better whenever I have spikes. How does that work?

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Exercise has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood, and increasing feelings of well-being. It is thought that these benefits may be due to the effects of exercise on brain chemistry, as well as the sense of accomplishment and improved self-esteem that can come from setting and achieving fitness goals.

For people with OCD, exercise may be particularly helpful as it can provide a healthy outlet for the obsessive thoughts and behaviors that are characteristic of the disorder. It can also help to reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental well-being, which may have a positive impact on OCD symptoms. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve sleep, which is important for overall mental health and can be particularly beneficial for those with OCD, as sleep disturbances are a common symptom of the disorder.

It’s important to note that exercise should be viewed as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for OCD, and should not be relied upon as a standalone treatment. If you are seeking treatment for OCD, it is important to work with a mental health professional who can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.

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