Researchers from the University of South Australia recommend that physical activity is 1.5 times more beneficial than psychotherapy or other medications to control depression. The extensive research demonstrates that the signs of sadness, anxiety and distress are low when people are physically active.
The largest reapers of the benefits were seen among people with depression, pregnant, healthy individuals, postpartum women, and people diagnosed with HIV or kidney disease. As per WHO (World Health Organization), one in every eight people lives with a mental disorder. Higher-intensity workouts had greater improvements in depression and anxiety. Longer durations of workouts had less impact compared to short and mid-duration bursts. Physical activities like aerobic exercise – walking, resistance training, pilates and yoga.
The deep-dived research has helped clinicians understand that physical activity supports in managing mental health disorders. The need for physical activity should include structured exercise interventions as a mainstay approach for managing anxiety and depression.