We all know that exercise is good for us physically and we know we generally feel better when we're comfortable with our weight. But the benefits of exercise are even more compelling; randomized studies find exercise significantly decreases symptoms of depression for those who are mildly to moderately depressed. One such study was conducted by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center, in collaboration with the Cooper Institute (an abstract for the source article is here: TREAD: TReatment with Exercise Augmentation for Depression). This study reported a 47% decline in depressive symptoms after participating in aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least three days per week, over the course of 12 weeks. Those who participated in lower intensity exercise also experienced benefits, with an average of a 30% decline in depressive symptoms. We believe these mood improvements are related to biochemical changes that occur as you exercise and improve your health. Another recent study at UT Southwestern UTSW Study on Generation of Nerve Cells found that antidepressants and exercise both stimulate the growth of new nerve cells in the same part of the brain, the dentate gyrus (at least in mice).
While exercise is often not the complete solution for those struggling with depression, particularly more severe depression, it offers an alternative treatment that is natural and accessible to most. See this article for tips on starting and maintaining an exercise program when you're depressed: Mayo Clinic article and Exercise and Depression/ Anxiety.
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