A new study is giving depression the run-around.
For the first time, scientists have proven that exercise can actually prevent depression.
While a link between the mental illness and physical activity has been known for some time, new research from JAMA Psychology shows that replacing a sedentary activity with even 15 minutes of vigorous movement can help reduce your risk of developing depression.
“Higher levels of physical activity were linked to reduced odds for major depression,” the study reads.
Researchers turned to UK Biobank, a massive database of genetic samples from nearly 400,000 men and women, to pin down the specific contributing factors for depression and someone’s likelihood of exercising. Participants with certain gene variants lived particularly mobile lifestyles — and rarely experienced the dreaded D-word.
They also found that having existing depression does not impact whether a person can get active.
One time factor: While 15 minutes of intense exercise a day can help ward off mental malaise, it will take an hour a day of a less forceful workout, such as walking, for the same mood-positive results to occur.