Exercise works wonders. It can help protect the body from various health conditions, including stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and many forms of cancer.
But that’s not the end of it. Exercise has also proven highly effective at reducing the risk of psychological conditions like anxiety and depression.
Below, we uncover the ins and outs of exercise’s benefits for depression and explore ways to increase your motivation to exercise.
What is Depression?
The term “depression” refers to a debilitating psychological condition. Depression isn’t just a short-term feeling of unhappiness - it’s characterized by a state of low mood that lasts for weeks, months, or even years.
Often, those who have depression will feel deeply unhappy, hopeless, and lack self-esteem. These individuals may find no enjoyment in previously-pleasurable activities and experience periods of low energy and lethargy.
Depression can also lead to, or be caused by, negative thoughts and cognitive distortions. These beliefs about the world, yourself, or others are often pessimistic and do not reflect the real environment. Examples of negative thoughts are:
- “No one loves me.”
- “I’m a failure.”
- “Others aren’t to be trusted.”
- “The world is unfair.”
While we may all experience these thoughts at one point or another, for depressed individuals, these may be their everyday beliefs. But can exercise help?
To find out more about depression, check out our Complete Depression Guide.
Can Exercise Reduce the Risk of Depression?
Extensive research has gone into answering this very question. And the answer? A resounding yes. Exercise is highly beneficial in reducing the risk of depression. The benefits are long-lasting, and it doesn’t matter what type of exercise you engage in. Let’s take a look at the research.
A study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that as little as 35 minutes of physical activity a day can help prevent new depressive episodes, even if you’re at genetic risk of having depression.
They analyzed the data of around 8,000 people and concluded that you’re more likely to receive a depression diagnosis if you’re genetically at risk for the condition. However, both high-intensity and low-intensity exercises reduce the risk of depression.
