Body in Motion, Mind in Balance: The Role of Physical Activity in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

Physical activity has been widely studied for its role in modulating anxiety and promoting psychological well-being, especially among medical students, who often face high academic demands and stress. This article reviews the available literature, with an emphasis on articles extracted from databases such as PubMed and SciELO, which highlight the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise on mental health.

Regular physical exercise induces the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, such as endorphins, serotonin and norepinephrine, which are associated with mood regulation and the reduction of anxiety symptoms. Studies show that physical activity not only improves cognition and concentration, but also acts as a stress modulator, promoting an adaptive response to emotional challenges. The literature suggests that physical activity can cause a decrease in anxiety, especially in vulnerable populations such as medical students, who have a high prevalence of anxiety disorders.

In addition to aerobic exercise, the practice of anaerobic activities, such as resistance training, has been training, has been identified as particularly effective in promoting psychological well-being.Research indicates that adopting a regimen of at least 150 minutes of physical exercise per week results in significant improvements in mental health, favoring not only a reduction in anxiety, but also an increase in self-esteem and satisfaction with life.

In addition, yoga is emerging as a complementary intervention that can be integrated into the lifestyle of medical students. The practice of yoga, which combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation, has been shown to be effective in regulating the stress response and promoting a state of mental calm. The scientific literature emphasizes that yoga not only improves flexibility and physical strength, but also contributes to reducing emotional reactivity and improving quality of life.

In conclusion, the integration of physical activity, including anaerobic exercise and yoga practices, is essential for promoting a healthy lifestyle, thus contributing to the training of more resilient and balanced professionals. Scientific evidence supports the need for institutional policies that encourage the regular practice of physical activity as an integral part of the mental health care.