The Science Behind Exercise and Depression Time after time, studies have proven there is a positive correlation among exercise, self perception, and the prevention and treatment of depression. Harvard compiled a handful of these studies, and the results showed that regular exercise can improve mood in people with mild and moderate depression, and also helps in treating severe depression. Another study showed that exercise actually had the same success rate as medication in treating patients short term - and its effects lasted longer than the effects of the drug. How Does it Work? Similar to antidepressants, exercise causes a series of chemical reactions in the brain which result in the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters. These chemicals (primarily dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) help improve mood, boost immunity, and reduce the bodys perception of pain. Not only does exercise affect the body on a chemical level, its also been shown to: • improve confidence • boost self-esteem and self-worth • improve coping mechanisms • improve sleep • reduce anxiety • improve social ties (by decreasing anxiety) • decrease negative thoughts Those are just a sliver of the seemingly endless list of reasons to get moving.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:21:16 +0000
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