Having a background in psychology and counseling, combined with a lifelong interest in diet and fitness, I’m well aware of some of the positive mental side effects from exercise. Exercise helps to naturally boost one’s spirits and energy levels, acting as a natural antidepressant for some people.
Exercise, in moderation, also helps curb appetite, increases sex drive, and helps people to sleep more restfully at night. Now even more good news about exercise has been discovered.
According to a recent study summarized by CNN, exercise may help deter or prevent addictions to substances and chemicals such as illegal drugs and alcohol. According to the chief of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a previous study found that teens and tweens who exercise regularly were far less likely to smoke cigarettes (50% less chance) or abuse marijuana (40% less chance).
The NIDA chief believes this is because children are born knowing, instinctively, that it feels good to move. But in a society of increasing obesity (Obesity in children has TRIPLED in the U.S. since 1980), kids are becoming more and more sedentary, leaving fewer opportunities to feel good naturally.
Now the NIDA chief, Dr. Nora Volkow, hopes to see more research on the area of exercise and drug abuse. $4 million in new research grants are being made available from NIDA for this specific purpose. Hopefully we’ll continue to hear good news about this in the future!