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Does Exercise Reduce the Risk of Depression?

User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 August 16th, 2022

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"Exercise works wonders. It can help protect the body from various health conditions, including stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and many forms of cancer. Exercise has also proven highly effective at reducing the risk of psychological conditions like anxiety and depression.


Can Exercise Reduce the Risk of Depression?

Exercise is highly beneficial in reducing the risk of depression. The benefits are long-lasting, and it doesn’t matter what type of exercise you engage in.

A study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that as little as 35 minutes of physical activity a day can help prevent new depressive episodes, even if you’re at genetic risk of having depression.

Both high-intensity and low-intensity exercises reduce the risk of depression.

They also found that adding 4 hours of exercise to your weekly routine could reduce your risk of experiencing a new depressive episode by 17%.

How Does Exercise Help Depression?

Firstly, it promotes the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins. These are part of the body’s natural reward system; they improve our sense of well-being upon release.

Exercise can stimulate hippocampal nerve cell growth, decrease inflammation and help fuel your body with more oxygen.

Exercise also works as a welcome distraction from the negative thought cycle characteristic of depression.It also reduces stress and anxiety by preventing the release of the stress hormone cortisol.

How to Motivate Yourself to Exercise When You’re Depressed

Set SMART Goals

Setting goals allows you to identify a plan of action, which helps with motivation.

Choose an Activity You Enjoy

If you find the activity enjoyable, you’ll likely continue to do it - this effect is called Hedonic Motivation, and evidence demonstrates it works wonders."

Read the complete article available at Calm Clinic!

Reflections:

What are your thoughts on the article?

*I find that exercising makes me feel much better afterwards especially during the post-workout shower*

#Exercise #Depression #Motivation #MentalHealth




4
User Profile: Happy900
Happy900 August 16th, 2022

@comfortableNight4463 Thanks for sharing.

I really enjoyed reading your thoughts.

I find showers to be relaxing.


1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP August 17th, 2022

@Happy900 Thanks for reading!

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User Profile: calmDew1576
calmDew1576 August 17th, 2022

@comfortableNight4463 I think exercising can be very helpful at fighting anxiety which is really closely related to depression. Also, apart from the physical and hormonal benefits, finding motivation on something can help you find meaning in other aspects of life too! I think this is the first step to fight depression, what do you think?

1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP August 18th, 2022

@calmDew1576 I agree. Having purpose in life and striving toward it would be the first step. When you have something to look forward to, it's less likely that depression will affect you.

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