Studies involving a total of 14 thousand people have reached this conclusion
When a person enters a phase of depression, exercise may be the last thing they want to do. But a study reveals that it’s worth it: investing in regular physical activity can be essential to feeling better.
According to the study published in the journal BMJ, many types of exercise – including walking, running, yoga, tai chi, aerobic exercise and strength training – showed benefits as strong as therapy in treating depression.
“Depression affects between 10% and 25% of people. It harms well-being more than debt, divorce or diabetes,” comments lead author Michael Noetel, a senior lecturer at the University of California School of Psychology. Queensland, Australia. Despite this, only half of people with depression receive treatment, he said.
Total of 14 thousand people
The researchers analyzed data from 218 studies on exercise and depression, involving more than 14,000 people. Despite the risk of research bias, the whole-body benefits associated with exercise, combined with data suggesting it helps with depression, make it an important treatment option.
The findings are in line with what many other studies have shown about the benefits of exercise, according to Adam Chekroud (not involved in the research), associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, in an interview with CNN.
Research conducted by Chekroud in 2018 on more than 1.2 million Americans showed that those who exercised reported better well-being and mental health.
Both studies should give people confidence that exercise is a good approach to treating depression, along with other options including therapy and medications.
“It didn’t matter how much people exercised, in terms of sessions or minutes per week,” Noetel said. “It also didn’t matter how long the exercise program lasted.”
The intensity of the exercise made the biggest difference, but walking also had an impact, he said. Any exercise was better than none. But Noetel recommends adding some challenges. “Initially, we thought that those suffering from depression might need to ‘adjust’. We found that it was much better to have a clear program that aimed to challenge you, at least a little,” she said.
Motivation is a problem
Many people have trouble finding motivation to exercise, and adding depression to that can make the task even more difficult. Setting goals and monitoring activity didn’t seem to help in the studies Noetel reviewed. “Instead, I think we should draw on more established wisdom about what works,” she says, referring to support and accountability.
The researcher’s recommendation is to join a fitness group, hire a trainer or ask a loved one to go on a hike with you.
Intensity is important
The study found that more exercise and higher training intensity are better, but according to the data, it is not necessary to start training like a professional athlete. “Taking a few steps to get that support makes you more likely to continue,” Noetel advises.
Whatever your preference, weight training or walking, you need to make the activity enjoyable to continue. The more you enjoy your workout, the more confident you will be in overcoming exercise obstacles, meaning you’ll be more likely to stick to a routine.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
