Physical activity reduces the risk of depression by 23%

Regular exercise provides many benefits, both physical and mental. On a psychological level, sport acts as a real catalyst for well-being. Indeed, exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that provide a feeling of well-being and satisfaction.

This release of endorphins helps reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while promoting better sleep quality. In addition, sport is a great way to channel negative emotions and relieve accumulated tension, thereby providing psychological relief. In addition, regular exercise helps develop self-confidence and self-esteem, pushing physical and mental limits and achieving personal progress.

Well, a new study reveals an important finding: regular low- to moderate-intensity exercise is strongly associated with reduced levels of depression. This finding, from a study led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in England, is based on a comprehensive review of studies conducted around the world examining the effects of physical activity on mental health.

Lead researcher of the study Lee Smith emphasizes the importance of this discovery, stating that ” Low to moderate levels of physical activity can provide mental health benefits and are more achievable in everyday life.“.

According to information provided by Science Daily, a platform that specializes in disseminating the latest scientific findings, this analysis shows that physical activity reduces the risk of depression by 23% and anxiety by 26%. In particular, it highlights the significant association between practicing low-to-moderate physical activity, such as golf or walking, and a reduced risk of depression.

Additionally, the study shows that physical activity is also associated with a 27% reduced risk of more serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia or psychosis. These results were similar for both men and women, regardless of age or geographic region of the study.