Combating Depression Through Exercise

I always feel much better when I exercise. I'm more positive and upbeat, feel healthier and gain confidence. Unfortunately when I feel depressed I rarely feel like exercising or doing anything else. I know many of my friends and family report similar experiences. I decided to see if there was any medical research and found plenty of it.

Research shows that exercise reduces or eliminates depression including clinical depression. Over eighty studies confirm it. Although I know that even exercising once can help lift my spirits, research shows that depression seems to diminish after four weeks of regular exercise. More substantial effects are observed with longer term regular exercise as well.

Part of the reason might be that exercise improves confidence. It certainly can give you a feeling of confidence and makes you look better in general. Also numerous studies show exercise reduces stress.  Certainly feeling like you look better (because you probably do), having a sense of accomplishment, and being less stressed out can make you feel much better.

Exercise can also get you out during the time you are most likely to get depressed, the winter, when short hours of sunlight can be a contributing factor. I try to get out during daylight hours for at least a brief walk several times a week during the winter, despite occasionally bitter weather, and find it does improve my mood markedly.

Many people suffer from depression at some point in their life, whether it's mild or much more severe. Just a bit of regular exercise can help moderate or eliminate it.

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