Exercise Helps Ease Depression And Anxiety

30 seconds

When it comes to mental health, physical activity might be one of the best medicines. A large review by Australian researchers found that exercise — especially aerobic activities like running, swimming, and dancing — significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Analyzing 57 pooled reviews (comprising 800 studies and data on nearly 58,000 participants) for depression and 24 pooled reviews (258 studies; over 19,000 participants) for anxiety, the researchers found that all forms of structured exercise — aerobic, resistance training, mind-body practices (such as yoga and tai chi), and mixed programs — improved mental health across age groups and genders.

For depression, aerobic exercise delivered in supervised or group settings showed the greatest benefits. For anxiety, shorter programs (up to 8 weeks) and lower-intensity activities were most effective. Overall, exercise produced a medium reduction in depression symptoms and a small-to-medium reduction in anxiety — effects comparable to or greater than those of medication and talk therapy. The strongest improvements were seen in young adults (ages 18 to 30) and postpartum women.