Depression
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Exercise increases the body’s production of endorphins—chemical substances that can relieve depression. Scientific research shows that routine exercise can positively affect mood and help with depression.147 As little as three hours per week of aerobic exercise can profoundly reduce the level of depression.148 One trial compared the effects of an exercise training program with those of a prescription antidepressant drug in people over 50 years of age.149 The researchers found the two approaches to be equally effective after 16 weeks of treatment.