Although it may be difficult to start, becoming more physically active may help you manage depression. Regular physical activity is related to improved mental and physical well-being. Recent research indicates that physically fit people are less vulnerable to depression, and that regular exercise can greatly reduce symptoms of depression for many people.
Exercise affects mood in four ways:11
- It can produce an immediate elevation in mood after exercising in some people (during depression this effect may not occur)
- After a few weeks of regular exercise (three to four times a week, at least 20 minutes at a time), a general improvement in mood tends to begin
- Improvements in physical fitness are associated with improved energy, which can enable you to do more
- Exercise can be a good way of “burning off” stress when you are feeling tense