IF YOU’RE MIRED in a sense of hopelessness and with the rate at which serotonin reuptake inhibitors fly off the apothecary’s shelf, there’s a good chance you’ve been through that town-you may want to consider exercise as an alternative to expensive therapy or medication. According to a survey of 13,000 adults published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, physical activity has a positive effect on mental health.
Based on calories burned, respondents were divided into sedentary, moderately active, and highly active groups. The moderately active and highly active groups reported less than half the generalized distress-feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and sadness experienced by their sedentary countrymen. The researchers believe that physical activity increases a person’s feelings of control over his or her own life, which in turn reduces distress.