Physical Activity and the Effect on Depression

Depression is at a higher rate then ever, and people struggling with depression sometimes don't see the light at the end of the path. Incorporating physical activity into one's routine could help reduce symptoms. Physical activity does not need to be a strenuous workout, instead it could be a simple exercise intervention. Studies suggested that, "Exercise interventions had a significant effect in reducing depressive symptoms in ‘depressed’ postpartum populations" (Prichett 2017) Overall research suggests, "regular exercise is cross-sectionally associated with lower neuroticism, anxiety and depression and higher extraversion and sensation seeking in the population." (De Moor 2006)


References
Pritchett, Ruth Victoria, et al. “Does Aerobic Exercise Reduce Postpartum Depressive Symptoms? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” British Journal of General Practice, British Journal of General Practice, 1 Oct. 2017, https://bjgp.org/content/67/663/e684.

De Moor, M. H. M., Beem, A. L., Stubbe, J. H., Boomsma, D. I., & De Geus, E. J. C. (2006). Regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality: A population-based study. Preventive Medicine, 42(4), 273-279. 10.1016/j.ypmed.2005.12.002