The impact of exercise on depression: how moving makes your brain and body feel better

Summary & key facts

Researchers summarize evidence that moving your body can help reduce depression in several ways. Exercise seems to raise mood chemicals called endorphins, help people sleep better, lower stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem and social support. Because it is low-cost and easy to use, exercise can be offered in clinics or community programs and can be used together with medication or therapy to possibly improve results.

Key facts:

• Exercise can reduce depression through more than one path, including both physical changes in the body and psychological changes in the mind.
• Exercise can raise levels of endorphins, which are brain chemicals linked to feeling good and having a better mood.
• Exercise can improve sleep and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety for many people.
• Exercise can help people feel better about themselves and increase social support, both of which relate to lower depression symptoms.
• Because exercise is low-cost and widely available, it can be used in places like primary care, mental health clinics, and community programs and can be combined with medication and psychotherapy to potentially enhance outcomes.

Abstract

The mechanisms by which exercise reduces depression levels are multifaceted and include both physiological and psychological factors. Exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters associated with a positive mood and feelings of well-being. Exercise improves sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances self-esteem and social support. The implications of exercise as a treatment for depression are significant because depression is a common and debilitating mental health condition. Exercise is a low-cost, accessible, and effective treatment option that can be implemented in various settings such as primary care, mental health clinics, and community-based programs. Exercise can also be used as an adjunctive treatment along with medication and psychotherapy, which can enhance treatment outcomes.

Topics

Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction Sleep and related disorders Tryptophan and brain disorders

Categories

Experimental and Cognitive Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Depression (economics) Economics Macroeconomics Medicine Physical medicine and rehabilitation Psychology

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Depression Anxiety or worry Lack of energy or motivation Poor sleep Sadness or low mood