Jogging is as powerful as a common antidepressant, in preventing symptoms of depression and anxiety...

Exercise is already known as a natural antidepressant and the results of a recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders further confirm this.

According to the new study, 4/10 patients in both the running group and the medication group had an improvement in mental health. However, those in the running group also saw additional benefits such as improvements in weight, waist circumference and blood pressure.

The study looked at the effects of running on anxiety and depression, when compared with the popular antidepressant escitalopram (lexapro), over four months. Among 140 depressed patients, those who participated in regular jogging - two or three 45-minute runs per week - saw a slightly greater decrease in their depression levels, compared with those who took medication. People who treat depression with exercise such as jogging also experience additional benefits, with improvements in physical health.

Escitalopram (lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood, depression, and anxiety. worry.

Running can be a good choice to fight depression and anxiety.

Prof. Brenda Penninx, University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, study author, said that the jogging group also lost weight, improved fitness, heart rate and blood pressure, while the medication group did not see these benefits. These findings suggest that we should pay more attention to lifestyle improvements in mental health care. However, in some cases, a combination of both of these treatments will be best for controlling depression.

According to Ph.D Ahmed Jérôme Romain, researcher in physical activity science, University of Montreal, physical activity in general, and running in particular, can be used to reduce symptoms of depression as well as prevent depression. In Canada, physical activity is included in recommendations for the management of depressive disorders. So physical activity like running is definitely an important strategy for people with depression, as it can help with both mental health and physical health. In addition, exercise does not have the same side effects as drugs (which can cause patients).

The important thing is how to help patients maintain running over time without giving up. According to Ph.D Romain, first, it's important for exercisers to focus on enjoyment while exercising, because chances are if the patient doesn't enjoy the sessions, it will be harder to maintain it over time. Additionally, support from fellow exercisers, setting fitness goals to boost self-confidence; Monitoring symptoms of depression before and after exercise and having a physical activity plan... is very important.

Ph.D Romain adds, having regular reminders to exercise on hand — through friends, family or the phone — is also helpful when you have to stick to any exercise regimen,. Physical activity is medicine for your physical, mental and psychological health, so it's time to start. If it's too difficult, try finding an exercise professional to help you with the process. The most important issue is not how hard you work out, but how long you keep it up…

Source: Health & Life newspaper