Page 358 - Total War on PTSD

improved mood, better concentration and focus, and overall increased cognitive function. For Veterans suffering from combat wounds, reprogramming bodily awareness and creating positive physiological change in the brain can be a life- changing experience.
Social/psychological benefits of swimming: Because PTSD is a stress-related disorder, engaging in activities that help reduce stress or provide an outlet for nervous energy can be very effective in helping PTSD sufferers cope with their condition. Many medical studies have shown that aerobic activity like swimming can play a pivotal role in a PTSD therapy program by helping those who suffer from PTSD battle depression and anxiety so they can achieve a healthy mind and body.
Swimming can potentially help reverse brain damage caused by stress and anxiety. It promotes the process known as hippocampal neurogenesis. In layman’s terms, hippocampal neurogenesis is the regrowth of new brain cells in areas of the brain that atrophy under prolonged periods of stress. Moderate aerobic exercise three times a week actually increases the size of the hippocampus region in the brain, improving cognition, and helping with activities like planning, scheduling, multitasking, and memory.[4] In order to for it to be effective though, the swimming session must be prolonged and sustained.
Additionally, The National Sleep Foundation conducted a poll and found a strong correlation between proper sleep and exercise, discovering that exercise does improve sleep, vital for health, productivity, and overall happier life.[5] According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, stress and anxiety may cause sleeping problems or make existing problems worse. One of the more common symptoms of PTSD is difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep.
Extended aerobic swimming workouts release the natural compound endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals produced in your brain to combat those issues. Increased endorphin levels work to lower stress, increase pleasure, and reduce or manage pain. The release of endorphins do help to significantly lower anxiety and relieve
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