A new wave of research reveals a thought-provoking insight for those seeking to boost mental health through physical activity: it’s not just how much you exercise, but the context, motivation, and meaning behind your movement that truly makes a difference. This shift in perspective, fueled by the latest analysis from a team of leading exercise science experts, urges both health professionals and individuals in Thailand to rethink how—and why—they approach exercise for psychological well-being (ScienceDaily).
Across Thailand, rising concerns about depression and anxiety—aggravated by a fast-changing society and recent global events—have made the mental-health benefits of exercise a popular topic among doctors, educators, and fitness enthusiasts. Traditionally, campaigns and guidelines have emphasized measuring physical activity in terms of duration, intensity, or calories burned. However, according to a new review published on July 13, 2025, it is the “why,” “how,” and “where” of movement that can have profound and often overlooked effects on mental health.
For decades, physical activity research has zeroed in on the “dose-response” effect—the idea that doing more exercise should proportionally deliver greater benefits. Yet Professor O’Connor from a leading US university’s kinesiology department, who co-authored the study, points out that this framework has often missed the bigger picture. “The ‘dose’ of exercise has been the dominant way researchers have tried to understand how physical activity might influence mental health, while often ignoring whether those minutes were spent exercising with a friend or as part of a game,” explained O’Connor.
Delving into the evidence, the research team analyzed three types of studies spanning epidemiological data, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and a growing set of investigations examining exercise context. They found convincing links between regular leisure-time physical activity—such as jogging, yoga, or recreational cycling—and lower incidences of depression and anxiety. But when it came to activity done as part of a daily chore, job, or in less enjoyable settings, the positive effects on mood and mental health were much less consistent.
The nuance was epitomized by one common example: a football player sprinting and scoring a crucial goal would likely feel elated, while missing a key shot—despite near identical physical effort—might leave them dejected or anxious, especially if teammates or spectators cast blame. This demonstrates that the same “exercise dose” can have wildly different psychological outcomes depending on social dynamics, motivation, and immediate rewards or disappointments.
While the benefits for people struggling with mental health issues appear strongest—with exercise-based interventions offering notable improvement for those diagnosed with depression or anxiety—the researchers caution that such effects, on average, remain moderate across the population. Many studies use small, homogenous samples and short timescales, meaning their findings might not represent broader, more diverse communities, such as those found in Thailand’s urban and rural regions.
“We’re communicating to scientists that larger- and longer-term controlled studies are needed to make a compelling case whether exercise does, or does not, truly impact mental health,” O’Connor noted. The study’s authors also include experts from major American universities and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Perhaps most intriguing for Thai readers is the team’s call for more research into contextual factors—including the social atmosphere (who you exercise with), environmental conditions (weather, location, and time of day), instructor or peer influences, and crucially, the internal motivation or meaning attached to the activity.
In Bangkok or Chiang Mai, for example, an early-morning walk with friends in the park may have greater uplifting potential than a solo workout in the afternoon heat. Similarly, young Thais participating in a fun “aerobic dance” event along the city’s canals—or “klongs”—might experience mental health gains unattainable during individual, obligatory exercise sessions. In rural provinces, traditional group activities like Thai folk dance or village football games could offer both exercise and community connection, enhancing psychological well-being far beyond the calorie count.
As Thailand grapples with growing rates of stress-related illness—often exacerbated by social isolation, economic pressures, and changing lifestyles—the practical implications are clear: policymakers, educators, and public health leaders should move beyond simply telling people “to exercise more.” Instead, they should encourage meaningful, enjoyable, and socially supportive forms of activity, tailored to each community’s culture and needs.
Thai physicians and counselors suggest that this approach aligns closely with local traditional values. Activities that foster “sanuk” (fun), social connection, and group harmony have long played a role in mental and spiritual health in Thai culture. For students, incorporating collaborative sports, dance, or mindfulness-based movement into school routines can boost both mood and academic performance, as recent efforts by the Ministry of Education have demonstrated (Ministry of Education Thailand).
Looking ahead, health practitioners and fitness coaches in Thailand are urged to support individuals in finding activities that match their interests and social preferences—whether that means joining a neighborhood Muay Thai class, walking in Lumpini Park, or dancing the Ram Wong in a rural village. The importance of motivation is echoed in the words of a senior official from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health, who emphasized, “Physical activity should be more than just exercise; it should bring happiness and a sense of belonging, which is essential for our people’s mental health.”
For Thai workplaces, offering staff flexible options for group or outdoor exercise—rather than one-size-fits-all gym memberships—may yield greater mental health dividends. Similarly, community organizations and local governments could prioritize accessible, safe spaces for group activities, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young students, or those recovering from mental health challenges.
The research also hints at the need to tailor exercise recommendations for specific subgroups. For instance, women may benefit more from group-based or socially supportive physical activity, according to global trends (World Health Organization). Meanwhile, interventions that leverage Thailand’s natural environment—such as guided walks in national parks—might offer restorative benefits unique to “green exercise.”
As the science develops, the recurring message is this: not all movement is equal when it comes to mental health. The context, motivation, social setting, and culture surrounding exercise are as important—if not more so—than time, distance, or calories burned. For Thai readers, the lesson is to choose physical activities that uplift both body and spirit, ideally shared with friends, family, or in groups that foster a sense of “sabai sabai” (contentment).
For those seeking practical steps, start by exploring activities you truly enjoy, invite friends or family to join, and pay attention to your own feelings before, during, and after being active. If you find yourself feeling pressured or unhappy, adjust your approach—try a new setting, partner, or type of movement. For parents and teachers, focus on making movement playful and social, not just a requirement.
Ultimately, supporting mental health through exercise in Thailand is about cultivating experiences that are personally meaningful, culturally resonant, and socially connected—not simply ticking off minutes of activity. As new studies emerge, this more holistic, context-sensitive understanding of movement may prove pivotal for improving national well-being in the years to come.
To dive deeper into the research findings, readers can visit ScienceDaily or consult guidelines from the Department of Mental Health Thailand, as well as international organizations like the World Health Organization.