Physical activity prevents dementia, anxiety and depression, study confirms benefits of daily exercise

Benefits of climbing stairs: Taking the stairs strengthens your legs, burns calories, and boosts your fitness levels (Image: Canva)

Difficulty in remembering recent conversations or events, and sudden feelings of sadness and anxiety are a few  symptoms of neuropsychiatric diseases. A neuropsychiatric disease is a condition that impacts the brain causing memory, mood and behaviour issues. Alzheimer’s, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are some of the neuropsychiatric diseases.

Although genetics is the major risk factor for these disorders, a few lifestyle-related risks include poor diet, smoking, sedentary life, lack of exercise and stress. While the latter can be controlled, the former cannot be changed. According to a recent study by researchers from Huashan Hospital Fudan University, physical activity is linked to a lower risk of developing certain neuropsychiatric diseases including depression.

The study, which will be presented at the 77th American Academy of Neurology, reveals that exercise lowers inflammation and improves metabolism. It advocates that regularly participating in physical activity helps lower the risk of developing 5 brain-related diseases, even when the exercise is not too intense.

Also read | Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: Loneliness, low social contact leads to stress, Alzheimer's disease

Here are 5 simple ways to add more movement to your everyday routine:

• Take the stairs: Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the lift. Taking the stairs strengthens your legs, burns calories, and boosts your fitness levels. The bonus: it also keeps the neuropsychiatric diseases at bay.

• Park your vehicle at a distance: Always park your vehicle farther away from your destination. Doing so allows you to walk more. If you are aiming at completing the 10k steps a day challenge then this tip can help. Also, it benefits your heart and mental health.

• Walk to work: If your workplace isn’t too far away from home, you can actually walk to work. This way you will save your mental and physical health and also some money.

• Buy grocery locally: Shopping for groceries at a nearby store instead of ordering online encourages you to walk. It is a simple way to take extra steps, engage with your community, and stay physically and mentally healthy. Meeting people and socialising can promote well being.

• Walk your pet: A pet can keep both your body and brain active. Walking your pet regularly can fight stress and boost physical activity and mood. Besides, taking your dog for a walk helps you exercise and move more. If you don’t have a pet but your neighbour does, then offer to help.