Just walking 150 minutes per week significantly lowers your risk of depression
06/06/2018 // Carol Anderson // Views

Depression is a crippling disease that affects more than 300 million people across the globe, according to the World Health Organization. Fortunately, researchers have found that even a little exercise can significantly reduce the risk of depression, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

The study revealed that physical activity can prevent a person from becoming depressed. "Systematic reviews have suggested that physical activity is a protective factor for depression onset, with even small amounts of physical activity decreasing the incidence of future depressive episodes," the researchers wrote in the report.

Researchers used a systematic review to gather information from 49 studies – which involved over 250,000 people – and proceed with the study. They collected data including age at baseline, geographical area, sex, length of follow-up, study quality, co-variates, study sample size, and total person-years.

According to Dr. Brendon Stubbs, one of the study's authors, their findings indicate that more importance should be given to physical activities. Given its multitude of health benefits, exercising should be promoted across the lifespan. (Related: Not getting enough sleep can raise your risk of depression by 80 percent.)

To be more specific, people who regularly engaged in physical activities were found to have reduced their risk of depression by as much as 15 percent, the researchers reported. They also added that undergoing intense training isn't necessary to achieve this benefit.

Brighteon.TV

According to Dr. Joseph Firth of the University of Sydney, a 150-minute walk can prevent depression by 22 percent, while doing a little less than this prescribed amount of physical activity still has benefits. He also stressed that aside from walking, people must do an exercise routine they will enjoy doing again.

"It's not about going to the gym on time and have a tough session, and doing something that you'll never do again," Firth added. In addition, he also pointed out that exercise should not be linked to great skill and competitiveness.

Since these are long-term studies over seven or eight years, this means that for exercise to be an effective protective agent against depression, it has to be done over the long haul.

While other mental health conditions may need more support from loved ones and health experts, preventing its onset require nothing more than an enjoyable change in a person's routine. Researchers believe that there is now a compelling reason to engage people in doing a regular physical activity – whether it's at school, workplaces, leisure programs, or elsewhere.

How can exercise help?

By doing any physical activity, our brain releases certain chemicals which are described as exercise-induced euphoria. It's also known as the "runner's high," and it acts like an antidepressant. What's better is how it protects us when the body detects stress that can possibly cause depression.

"We believe that physical activity and the chemical release actually provide a buffer from this and make you more resilient to developing depression," Firth added.

Other ways to prevent depression

Aside from regular exercise, there are other ways to help us reduce the risk of falling into depression. While it is also great to surround yourself with the people you love, you can also take small steps on your own to help take care of your mental health.

  • Make sure to get adequate sleep
  • Cut down on your sugar intake
  • Consume healthy fats
  • Discover things that will make you happy
  • Avoid thinking negatively

Get more updates on mental health by reading BeatDepression.news.

Sources included:

Healio.com

ABC.net.au

PowerOfPositivity.com



Take Action:
Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.
App Store
Android App
eTrust Pro Certified

This site is part of the Natural News Network © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing International, LTD. is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
Natural News uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.