I found an old article on how regular exercise helps alleviate Depression. What was so interesting to me was the researcher’s assertion that “30 minutes three to five times per week can reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate depression similarly to taking antidepressant medication.” That means, that some people can forgo the side effects/cost of anti-depressants, and instead get relief through exercise!

http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/news-releases/year-2005/exercise-helps-reduce-symptoms-of-depression-ut-southwestern-researchers-find.html

In my experience with depressed clients, those who chose to start an exercise routine did report less depression on average, and exercise also boosted their self-esteem! Don’t forget all of the other benefits of exercise: energy, better quality of life, less risk factors for disease, longer life!