How does physical activity relate to mental health and mental ability?
Physically energetic people tend to have improved mental health, according to the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Public Health. Compare with motionless people, the physically energetic had higher scores for positive self-concept, more self-esteem and more positive “moods” and “affects.” People that are more active also seem to score higher on apparent ability to perform activities of every day living, physical well-being and other measures associated to quality of life. A few studies even propose that lifestyles that are more active may be associated with higher levels of attentiveness and mental ability, including the capability to learn.
