If you are feeling low or if you have been diagnosed with depression, the last thing you probably feel like doing is putting on your sneakers and going for a brisk walk or a jog. But that’s exactly what you should do. Studies have shown that exercises can be highly effective in treating mild to moderate depression. In fact, there is evidence proving that exercise is as effective as anti depressants without the side effects of drugs.
In recent trials, scientists found that moderate aerobic exercises like brisk walking, running, cycling for at least 30 minutes three times a week for a minimum of eight weeks was effective in both treating and preventing depression.
Scientists believe that exercise helps us to feel better for two reasons: first it creates chemical changes in the brain, including the release of endorphins, which gives us a sense of well being. Second this is especially in people with depression as it creases a sense of achievement.