There is ample evidence that exercise can be beneficial in treating mild to moderate depression. A new analysis of 30 long-term prospective trials of physical activity and depression found that in the overwhelming majority of the trials, people who were more physically active were less likely to develop depression. As little as 10 to 15 minutes a day of walking, running or other activity were protective. The more physically active people were, the greater the psychological benefits.
[American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Nov. 2013]
We discussed the benefits of physical activity for mood and wellbeing in our show #888with Gretchen Reynolds, who writes for the New York Times, and Dr. James A. Blumenthal of Duke University. SP commented on the show, “Great information as usual. I am sharing it with my daughter. I never exercised until late 30s. Am over 70 now, take no drugs, weigh what I did at 18, and feel great. I attribute much of my good health and outlook to exercise in addition to a holistic diet. Over the years I was a skier and a runner. As I aged I gave that up for biking, spinning, yoga, tennis and gardening. It is never too late to start moving.”
