Thursday, March 17, 2022
“Human bodies are designed for regular physical activity. The sedentary nature of much of modern life probably plays a significant role in the epidemic incidence of depression today. Many studies show that depressed patients who stick to a regimen of aerobic exercise improve as much as those treated with medication.” – Andrew Weil
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 16.2 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode. Many who suffer from depression tend to overeat or abuse drugs and alcohol. Exercise provides a healthy alternative.
When we exercise, the body produces endorphins which bind to receptors in the brain, leading to pain reduction and euphoria. This explains the “runner’s high” that people experience. However, the activity doesn’t have to be running. The options are endless – from yoga to interval training to strength training or even just walking. The idea is to find something you enjoy so that it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Research consistently shows a negative correlation between exercise and depression. That means the more people exercise, the lower the prevalence of depression. In the long run, exercise has been shown to be more effective than medication for the prevention of relapse into major depression.