Exercise improves anxiety & depression

A regular walk or run in the park might improve not only the heart health but mental health as well. Researchers from the University of Bristol followed a group of middle-aged British men for 10 years, and found that those who exercised regularly were less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over time. The effect was modest, and there was no evidence of a benefit from other forms of activity, including physical labour at work. Previous research has found that exercise can be helpful for people with mild-to-moderate depression, but studies have come to conflicting conclusions as to whether physically active people are at lower risk of developing depression or anxiety. The researchers used data from a 10-year follow-up of 1,158 middle-aged British men. At the beginning of the study, the men reported on their exercise habits and any on-the-job physical activity. They also completed standard screening questionnaires for depression and anxiety at three points over the study period. In general, men who reported regular vigorous exercise such as running or playing soccer were about one-quarter less likely to develop depression or anxiety over the next 5 years, as compared to their less active peers. However, the benefit was no longer evident at 10-years. The findings are consistent with exercise studies of patients with mild depression. It's thought that exercise may directly affect depression through actions on certain brain chemicals. It might also have indirect benefits by improving self-esteem or body image. The widespread encouragement to lead a physically active lifestyle in order to gain the recognised benefits for physical health may also have modest short-term benefits for mental health.