Exercise For Mental Health

Exercise is an evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety and research suggests that, in the treatment of depression, exercise interventions lead to treatment effects of a similar magnitude to other established forms of treatment such as CBT and medication. There is evidence from multiple research studies that the 'prescription of exercise' or 'motivational messages in printed form or by computer' are more effective than verbal discussion in helping clients to initiate exercise. Exercise For Mental Health is an information handout designed for clients who are considering exercising. It presents information about exercise and mental health, reasons why exercise has beneficial effects upon mental health, and advice about how to get started.

Resource Download Download or send

Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Translation Template

Are you a qualified therapist who would like to help with our translation project?

Introduction & Theoretical Background

Exercise is an evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety. There is evidence to suggest that in the treatment of depression, exercise interventions lead to a treatment effect with a magnitude similar to other established forms of treatment such as CBT and medication (Johnsen & Fribog, 2015; Kirsch et al, 2008; Kvam et al, 2016). Psychologists believe that exercise is helpful for a number of reasons:

  • It can help you to switch your attention away from unwanted or unhelpful thoughts or worries
  • It can lead to an increase in your body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals, including endorphins and endocannabinoids
  • It can help you to sleep better which is an important effect given the important role of poor sleep in the maintenance of mental health problems
  • It can lead to increases in self-esteem and resilience
  • Regular exercise can increase your energy levels which can have knock-on effects upon how you engage in valued activities

Exercise For Mental Health

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

Therapist Guidance

This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
  • Client handout – use as a psychoeducation resource
  • Discussion point – use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
  • Therapist learning tool –improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
  • Teaching resource – use as a learning tool during training

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

References And Further Reading

  • Budde, H., & Wegner, M. (Eds.). (2018). The Exercise Effect on Mental Health: Neurobiological Mechanisms. CRC Press.
  • Johnsen, T. J., & Friborg, O. (2015). The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy as an anti-depressive treatment is falling: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 141(4), 747.
  • Kirsch, I., Deacon, B. J., Huedo-Medina, T. B., Scoboria, A., Moore, T. J., & Johnson, B. T. (2008). Initial severity and antidepressant benefits: a meta-analysis of data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. PLoS medicine, 5(2), e45.
  • Kvam, S., Kleppe, C. L., Nordhus, I. H., & Hovland, A. (2016). Exercise as a treatment for depression: a meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 202, 67-86.
  • Richardson, C. R., Faulkner, G., McDevitt, J., Skrinar, G. S., Hutchinson, D. S., & Piette, J. D. (2005). Integrating physical activity into mental health services for persons with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 56(3), 324-331.

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

Why Psychology Tools?

Popular Pages

Get Support

Sign Up

We value your privacy

We use cookies for technical purposes and, with your consent, for other purposes as specified in the cookies policy. Denying consent may make related features unavailable. By clicking "Accept all" you consent to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy