Can exercise help people with depression?

 Research says that engaging in exercise and physical activity can help people with depression.

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Being active can:

• Help reduce symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder

• Help prevent low mood from worsening

• Help prevent the onset of symptoms associated with low mood and depression

• Clinical guidelines for the use of lifestyle-based mental health care in major depressive disorder: World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) taskforce

Enjoy walking most days

Research indicates that individuals with Major Depressive Disorder tend to be less active than the general population, and those who are inactive have a higher likelihood of developing depression Physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nonetheless, possessing genetic predispositions for depression and maintaining an active lifestyle reduces the risk of developing depression compared to those who have the genetic predisposition but remain inactive Physical activity offsets genetic risk for incident depression assessed via electronic health records in a biobank cohort study

Tips for increasing physical activity

• Try any type of activity that you enjoy whether it be walking, running, yoga, playing soccer, or dancing. It is important to be active most days of the week and to continue.

• Don't just enjoy being active by yourself. Join classes, walk with a friend, or join a team.

• Make exercising more enjoyable by listening to music, while watching your favourite social media platform, or at your favourite park or beach.

• Don't go too intense too quickly. Start with low-moderate intensity exercise (e.g. walking/cycling short distances) rather than commencing with high intensity routines (e.g. HIT classes)

• To get the best effect to reduce depression, slowly increase the intensity of activity or exercise.

• Exercise apps and sports watches can be useful to help boost motivation.