India, July 9 -- According to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the mental health benefits of exercise don't just depend on how much you move, but also on why and how you're doing it.
Researchers looked at over 700 studies published between 2018 and 2023. They studied how different types of physical activity like leisure activities, work, travel, or housework, affect mental health. They also examined how the setting and purpose of the activity play a role.
"For example, if a soccer player runs down the field and kicks the game-winning ball, their mental health is fantastic," said co-author Patrick O'Connor. "In contrast, if you do the exact same exercise but miss the goal and people are blaming you, you likely ...