Go snowmobiling… It’s good for your health!
- A signifi cant portion of a typical snowmobile ride qualifi es as at least moderate-intensity physical activity. Try to get 150 minutes of exercise each week. (1-8)
- Physical activity performed by snowmobiling could help treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety. (1-8)
- Major depressive disorder is the second leading cause of global disability, and generalized anxiety disorder affects about 5% of Canadians. (1-8)
- A single bout of physical activity like snowmobiling on the weekend can have positive effects on mental health that last up to a week. (1-8)
- Physical activity performed outdoors and in the wilderness is more benefi cial to mental health than indoor physical activity. (1-8)
- Snowmobiling with friends or family can improve mental health by increasing feelings of support and distracting from worrying2 . (1-8)
- Learning a new skill, such as snowmobiling, can build self- confi dence and reduce feelings of anxiety. (1-8)
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) most frequently occurs in winter. Performing physical activity via snowmobiling could be an effective way to combat the symptoms of SAD. (1-8)
REFERENCES
- Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Polenakovic M, Bosevski M, Apostolopoulos V. Exercise and mental health. Maturitas. 2017;106:48-56.
doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.003 - Blumenthal JA, Babyak MA, Doraiswamy PM, et al. Exercise and Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.
Psychosom Med. 2007;69(7):587-596. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e318148c19a - Broocks A, Bandelow B, Pekrun G, et al. Comparison of Aerobic Exercise, Clomipramine, and Placebo in the Treatment of Panic Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1998;155(5):603-609. doi:10.1176/ajp.155.5.603
- Schuch FB, Vasconcelos-Moreno MP, Borowsky C, Fleck MP. Exercise and severe depression: Preliminary results of an add-on study. 2011. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.030
- LeBouthillier DM, Asmundson GJG. A Single Bout of Aerobic Exercise Reduces Anxiety Sensitivity But Not Intolerance of Uncertainty or Distress Tolerance: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cogn Behav Ther. 2015;44(4):252-263. doi:10.1080/16506073.2015.1028094
- Thompson Coon J, Boddy K, Stein K, Whear R, Barton J, Depledge MH. Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review.
- Phillips DL. Mental health status, social participation, and happiness. J Health Soc Behav. 1967;8(4):285-291.
8. Pinchasov BB, Shurgaja AM, Grischin O V., Putilov AA. Mood and energy regulation in seasonal and non-seasonal depression before and after midday treatment with physical exercise or bright light. Psychiatry Res. 2000;94(1):29-42. doi:10.1016/S0165-1781(00)00138-4
