Exercise has long been touted as a way to improve physical health, but a recent study published in The BMJ suggests that it may also be an effective treatment option for depression. The study highlights various exercises that have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms, either on their own or when combined with therapy and medications.
The researchers found that the more intense the activity, the more effective it was in reducing depression. However, they also noted that walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training emerged as the top three exercises for alleviating depressive symptoms. Interestingly, yoga was found to be the most effective form of exercise in reducing depression compared to other types of exercise studied.
One of the key takeaways from the study is that each type of exercise offers unique benefits to mental health. Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that different exercises can promote mindfulness, a sense of accomplishment, or provide intense boosts in feel-good hormones in the brain. She recommends exercise to almost all of her patients as a way to improve their mental health.
Dr. Mimi Winsberg, a psychiatrist trained at Stanford University, has been prescribing exercise for her patients with depression for over two decades. She believes that the meta-analysis of trials supporting exercise as an intervention for depression is a significant development.
Depression affects approximately 16 million adults in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, guilt, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, changes in appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide attempts lasting at least two weeks.
Doctors emphasize that individuals should focus on finding a form of exercise that they enjoy rather than prioritizing one type as the “best.” Dr. Chaudhary encourages patients to vary their exercise routine and explore different options. She believes that introducing variety can lead to surprising benefits and recommends considering yoga or strength training as additions to one’s regimen.
Overall, this study provides compelling evidence that exercise can be an effective treatment option for depression. While further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of different types of exercise, the findings support the idea that physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health. So, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym, incorporating exercise into one’s routine may be a valuable step towards managing depression and improving overall well-being.
