Physical Exercise is the Best Medicine for Mild Depression – North Attleboro, MA

7 November 2013      

We turned back the clocks and it gets dark really early all-of-a-sudden. As the temperatures drop outside combined with shorter days and longer nights, the ‘winter blues’ are right around the corner. In fact, mild depression as a whole has been increasing in our society resulting for socio- economic stressors. The holidays can bring it on in some folks as well. Did you know that exercise, along with good nutrition and enough rest, has been found to be a potent weapon in the fight against depression?

Are feeling less energetic as winter approaches? Exercising actually creates more energy for you to use. In fact, Denise Reynolds RD, author of a new study on depression, wrote, "The Magic Drug for Depression and Anxiety? Exercise."

People who are more physically active feel more energetic than those who are sedentary.  In a study, more weekly physical activity resulted in participants feeling more energetic and ‘revved up’. Exercise stimulates neurotransmitters in your brain which creates a feeling of more energy. Your goal should be 20 to 40 minutes of cardio exercise 4-5 times each week.

Can’t fit in all that cardio? No problem, try yoga. It has also been found that an eight-week yoga and meditation program significantly increase your daily energy because yoga is restorative. Women who regularly practice Hatha yoga feel less stress.

Reporting on an effective natural treatment for depression, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has written on physical activity and how it helps with the prevention of depression. In fact, it is the best medicine to combat mild depression.

There is consistent evidence that physical activity may prevent future episodes of depression. In fact, any level of physical activity, including walking, can prevent depression. Clearly, the physical activity is an important strategy to good mental health this winter. Contact Answer is Fitness to take a tour; mental health is as important as physical health in overall wellness.

Excerpts - EmaxHealth