PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND THEIR IMPACT ON MENTAL WELL-BEING
Keywords:
mental health, physical activity, mood states, exercise psychology, interdisciplinary approachAbstract
Physical exercise exerts a well documented positive impact on both mental and physical health, contributing to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced self esteem. This study explores the connection between different types of motor activities aerobic and anaerobic and their effects on mental well being. Several physiological mechanisms are analyzed, including the endorphin and thermogenic hypotheses, the role of neurotransmitters, and mitochondrial function, as well as psychological factors such as distraction and self
efficacy.The results of the reviewed studies and experimental data demonstrate that regular physical activity, regardless of type, significantly reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms and improves quality of life. Positive outcomes were observed in both aerobic exercises (e.g., walking, running) and anaerobic activities (e.g., strength training, yoga). The findings confirm that systematic exercise produces multifactorial benefits through both physiological adaptations and psychological mechanisms making it an effective tool for the prevention and management of mental health disorders.This study supports the integration of regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle and suggests that it should be regarded as an interdisciplinary approach in modern sport science, combining physiology, psychology, and the social dimensions of physical activity
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