section_path: Prevention and promotion/Methods/Physical activity
section_name: Physical activity
paragraph_text: Physical activity
  
  Physical exercise can improve mental and physical health. Playing sports, walking, cycling, or doing any form of physical activity trigger the production of various hormones, sometimes including endorphins, which can elevate a person's mood.
  
  Studies have shown that in some cases, physical activity can have the same impact as antidepressants when treating depression and anxiety.
  
  Moreover, cessation of physical exercise may have adverse effects on some mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. This could lead to different negative outcomes such as obesity, skewed body image and many health risks associated with mental illnesses. Exercise can improve mental health but it should not be used as an alternative to therapy.