Exercising outdoors 'can help fight depression'
09/06/2010 Regularly spending time exercising outdoors or indoors can help combat some mental health problems such as depression.
Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Paula Goodyer, said research from the Black Dog Institute has shown that those who suffer from mild to moderate depression could benefit from spending time exercising outdoors.
This is on top of the benefits that keeping fit has on your physical health.
A number of reasons were said to be behind the mental health benefits, including that the heat created during exercise helps relax the body.
"Another is that regular exercise helps increase levels of mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and endorphins in the brain," Ms Goodyer explained.
She added that the research also shows aerobic exercises, such as running, cycling and jumping on a trampoline, are best for fighting depression.
The news follows the release of a study by the University of Essex last month which suggested that spending time outdoors helps boost your mood.
The study of over 1,000 people who regularly spent time outside found that just a few moments were enough to have a positive effect.
Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Paula Goodyer, said research from the Black Dog Institute has shown that those who suffer from mild to moderate depression could benefit from spending time exercising outdoors.
This is on top of the benefits that keeping fit has on your physical health.
A number of reasons were said to be behind the mental health benefits, including that the heat created during exercise helps relax the body.
"Another is that regular exercise helps increase levels of mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and endorphins in the brain," Ms Goodyer explained.
She added that the research also shows aerobic exercises, such as running, cycling and jumping on a trampoline, are best for fighting depression.
The news follows the release of a study by the University of Essex last month which suggested that spending time outdoors helps boost your mood.
The study of over 1,000 people who regularly spent time outside found that just a few moments were enough to have a positive effect.
