Daily Activities That Reduce the Risk of Depression
A recent study has unveiled daily activities linked to a decreased risk of developing depression, according to a report by The Independent.
Researchers conducted an exhaustive review of numerous pre-existing studies and discovered that engaging in low to moderate-intensity exercise can reduce the risk of depression by 23%, anxiety by 26%, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia by 27%.
The activities identified include gardening, golfing, and walking. Researchers indicated that these findings remained consistent across men and women and various age groups around the globe.
Published in the neuroscience journal, the study's results bolster evidence that physical activity is beneficial for mental health. However, it also noted that high-intensity exercises might "exacerbate feelings of anxiety and tension" in some instances.
Lead author of the study, Professor Lee Smith from Anglia Ruskin University in Britain, emphasized the importance of tailored exercise guidelines due to the physical activity intensity’s effects on depression. "Moderate exercise can improve mental health through biochemical interactions, whereas high-intensity exercises may worsen stress-related responses in some individuals," he stated.
The researchers hope these findings will encourage people to incorporate physical activity into their lives, understanding that beneficial lifestyle changes do not necessarily require adherence to high levels of physical activity. This insight may assist individuals in recognizing the mental health benefits of moderate exercises and encourage broader adoption of such practices for improved mental well-being.