Feel Good Facts

	Numerous studies prove that people who exercise regularly experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who are sedentary.
	Several trials have shown that regular exercise of moderate intensity can be an effective treatment by itself for mild to moderate depression.
	Exercise needs to be done several times a week to be effective in both the prevention and treatment of depression.
	Both aerobic exercise (e.g. brisk walking, cycling or jogging) and resistance or strength training (e.g. weight-lifting) have been found to be beneficial for depression.
	Exercise is beneficial as an anti-depressant both immediately and long-term.

Exercise may help to treat depression by:

• Increasing seratonin levels in the brain, which helps with mood, sleep, libido, appetite and other functions.
• Releasing more endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemical.
• For patients with anxiety disorders, exercise reduces their fear and related bodily functions, such as racing heart and rapid breathing.
• Providing social support and reducing loneliness when exercise is done in groups.
• Increasing a sense of control and self-esteem.

 

“I’m already starting to feel more positive again – is it my trainer, endorphins, adrenaline or something else?
And does it matter?”

Written by a client affected by chronic depression, after a few weeks of regular exercise.