Exercise can enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression

Mayo Clinic reports: "Exercise doesn't have to come in large doses to offer psychological benefits. Even as little as 10 minutes of low-intensity walking helps. Your goal doesn't have to be losing 20 pounds, being able to run five miles nonstop or hitting the gym at 6 a.m. three days a week for a sweat-drenched workout. Rather, the idea is to do something active in order to trigger the mechanisms that reduce negative moods and improve positive moods. And with a little planning and some practical tips — after all, it's not a matter of sheer willpower — adding exercise to your treatment program won't seem so daunting, even if you experience severe symptoms of depression or anxiety." For more information, see Exercise eases symptoms of anxiety and depression.