This One Little Thing May Help Prevent Depression

by Anna Maltby

Tom Rafalovich
Tom Rafalovich

... and you probably do it already: exercise! Even regular quick-and-easy workouts -- say, 20 minutes of window shopping -- may actually ward off depression, according to a new review published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine of 30 studies about physical activity and depression.

Why? Well, scientists are still sorting out the details, but you know how a sweat session makes you feel awesome afterward? "One of the theories [is that], if the body is active regularly, it acclimates to the increased endorphin levels, and one will generally feel greater moods on a consistent basis," review author George Mammen of the University of Toronto told SELF.

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Other theories include the distraction factor (when you're exercising, you're focusing on the task at hand rather than whatever emotional stuff is bringing you down) and the self-confidence boost you get from hitting the gym.

And the coolest part: The effect appears to be even stronger in women than men, possibly because we benefit from the social elements of exercise more than men do. (Girl power!)

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All of this is pretty awesome research news because 1) Exercise is free, fun and great for you in a whole bunch of other ways, and 2) We know quite a bit about treating depression, but less so about preventing it.

"Depression can be life-disabling and life-threatening," Mammen says. "Since depression is so prevalent -- perhaps due to the fast-paced, highly competitive and comparative world we live in -- we need to focus on preventing depression so that individuals never experience the emotional struggles associated with it. Our review shows that physical activity can do just that."

Just one more reason to get after it today. Remember, #YouGotThis!

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