Exercising outdoors 'helps combat depression'
08/04/2010 Exercising outdoors has been named as an ideal treatment for those suffering from depression.
A new study by researchers in the US analysed the results from various studies and concluded that more professionals should prescribe exercising outdoors for people with mental health problems.
Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said that it holds "tremendous benefits".
He explained that exercising outdoors can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
"Exercise can fill the gap for people who can't receive traditional therapies because of cost or lack of access, or who don't want to because of the perceived social stigma associated with these treatments," he added.
Mr Smits explained that just 25 minutes of exercise per day can be enough to boost people's mood.
Exercising outdoors is also recognised as a way for people to reduce their risk of disease.
Earlier this week, Alison Carnage, spokesperson for Alzheimer's Research Trust, said that those who exercise regularly had less chance of developing dementia, heart disease and strokes.
A new study by researchers in the US analysed the results from various studies and concluded that more professionals should prescribe exercising outdoors for people with mental health problems.
Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said that it holds "tremendous benefits".
He explained that exercising outdoors can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
"Exercise can fill the gap for people who can't receive traditional therapies because of cost or lack of access, or who don't want to because of the perceived social stigma associated with these treatments," he added.
Mr Smits explained that just 25 minutes of exercise per day can be enough to boost people's mood.
Exercising outdoors is also recognised as a way for people to reduce their risk of disease.
Earlier this week, Alison Carnage, spokesperson for Alzheimer's Research Trust, said that those who exercise regularly had less chance of developing dementia, heart disease and strokes.
