Twenty Five Minutes Is All It Takes To Improve Your Mood
A report by researchers from Southern Methodist University found that twenty-five minutes of aerobic exercise will immediately help to reduce stress and elevate mood.
Dr. Jasper Smits, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Anxiety Research & Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University, and colleagues analyzed dozens of studies linking aerobic exercise to decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. He found that "Individuals who exercise report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and lower levels of stress and anger,". He concluded, "Exercise appears to affect, like an antidepressant, particular neurotransmitter systems in the brain, and it helps patients with depression re-establish positive behaviors. For patients with anxiety disorders, exercise reduces their fears of fear and related bodily sensations such as a racing heart and rapid breathing."
Smits most recent research is part of a growing body of literature linking a reduction in depression and anxiety from exercise. According to a June 2010 Time Life article on the subject, clinical research is “ showing again and again that patients who follow aerobic-exercise regimens see improvement in their depression comparable to that of those treated with medication...”
In addition to the immediate results of exercise on depression and anxiety, the Time article echoes researchers conclusions on the long term effects of exercise stating, “ research is finding that exercise boosts mood. It not only relieves depressive symptoms but also appears to prevent them from recurring.”
While it is Ill-Advised and unsafe for a person to immediately cease his or her anti-depression or anti-anxiety medication, one should consider adding aerobic exercise to his or her treatment regiment. There is growing evidence that aerobic exercise will help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety in the short term and will serve as a preventive practice keeping depression and anxiety from reoccurring.
