The Best Anti-Depressant Ever? Exercise!

By Anne Driscoll, Tonic

It’s been long-known that physical activity boosts serotonin levels and makes people feel better, but exercise is now being called the “magic drug” in combating depression and anxiety, according to an AOL health story.

Scientists at Southern Methodist University and Boston University believe that, when it comes to easing anxiety and addressing depression, working out is even more powerful than previously believed. The researchers reviewed dozens of clinical studies on the relationship between exercise and mental health and found that patients report less anxiety, depression and stress after working out.

“Exercise appears to affect, like an antidepressant, particular neurotransmitter systems in the brain, and it helps patients with depression re-establish positive behaviors. For patients with anxiety disorders, exercise reduces their fears of fear and related bodily sensations such as a racing heart and rapid breathing,” said study co-author Michael Otto, psychology professor at BU. Otto and co-author Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at SMU, presented their findings at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America’s annual conference in March.

Smits says as little as 25 minutes of physical activity can mean the difference between a bad day and a good one. Apparently, a little (exercise) goes a long way to a good mood.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

jane d.

6:33PM PDT on Mar 12, 2012

Any article on actually getting motivation to exercise?

send a green star

Samantha S.

11:49AM PST on Mar 10, 2012

VERY TRUE(: GOOD ARTICLE

Brenda T.

2:50AM PST on Mar 6, 2012

Just getting out in the fresh air for a walk most days, keeps me going.

Rebecca N.

12:36PM PST on Jan 22, 2012

This article has inspired me to add more exercise to my day. Thank you for that! If just 25 minutes of exercise a day can mean the difference between a good and bad day...I choose exercise!

Elisabeth T.

9:02AM PST on Jan 21, 2012

Great info, thank you

Janine K.

5:18PM PST on Jan 19, 2012

It's the only consistent thing I do that makes me happy, besides feeding the dog, butterflies and birds.

Jessica E.

9:37PM PST on Dec 24, 2011

Thanks

Gary C.

11:01AM PST on Dec 23, 2011

Thankyou....

Lisa G.

4:46PM PST on Dec 22, 2011

I always feel better after excercising.

Charlene M.

8:32PM PST on Dec 21, 2011

Any type of exercise is beneficial, even cleaning your home. I bought a pedometer and try to take 10,000 steps day, it lowers your blood pressure, imagine just walking. Keeps your weight stable, now pick better food choices and add some other type of exercise to your program like three times a week body stretching and toning for total body conditioning, best shape for life.. You will look younger, and sleep better. I recently brought the total gym and it’s great a nice addition to my yoga tapes. Bodies in motion stays in motion, get moving!