Exercise eases depression symptoms

Mayo Clinic: Increasing evidence shows that exercise can ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers how exercise changes the brain and alleviates symptoms. Depression is linked to abnormally low levels of certain neurotransmitters ― chemicals in the brain that allow nerves to communicate with one another. Having less norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the brain results in lower nerve stimulation than usual, contributing to feelings of sadness and emptiness, loss of interest in normal activities, tiredness, anxiety and trouble thinking.

Antidepressant medications work by increasing the levels of these chemicals and bringing them back to normal. Exercise does the same thing. In addition, new evidence shows that exercise sets into motion changes that protect the brain against the damaging effects of stress and enhance resilience to depression.
Exercise also has positive emotional and social effects that can help deal with stress and depression. Regular exercise helps:

• Regain a sense of control and boost confidence: This comes from learning new exercises, rising to new physical challenges and meeting activity goals.
• Minimize worries: Exercise can be a distraction from recurring worries.
• Cope in a healthy way: Exercise is a positive way to manage anxiety and depression. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on negative feelings or hoping symptoms will go away can lead to worsening symptoms.

Does exercise really help? Reviews of studies examining the antidepressant effects of exercise in people with depression have found exercise can be just as effective as medication or talk therapy. Even short or one-time bouts of exercise can temporarily boost mood.