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Does Exercise Help With Depression?

When fighting the symptoms of depression, even a little exercise can go a long way to help. In a 2008 survey of general practitioners conducted by the United Kingdom's Mental Health Foundation, 61 percent of doctors believed exercise therapy was "effective or very effective" in treating symptoms of depression.

  1. Proven Benefits

    • The Cleveland Clinic reports that regular exercise reduces depression, boosts self-esteem and improves sleep.

    How It Works

    • Although doctors are not certain of the connection between exercise and depression, the Mayo Clinic reports that exercise may raise levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in your brain.

    How Much Exercise

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that you should do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day three to five times a week to see significant improvement in symptoms. However, even 10 to 15 minutes of exercise at a time can help your mood.

    Getting Started

    • If you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, you should consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

    Sticking with It

    • With any exercise program, there are days when you just don't want to stick with the plan. To be successful, try choosing an activity you think you'll enjoy, set reasonable goals for yourself, and be prepared to start again if you suffer a setback.

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