Exercise can help depression

The idea is to do something active to trigger the mechanisms that reduce negative moods and improve positive moods.

How exercise reduces symptoms isn't clear. There are plenty of theories, about both the physiological and psychological pathways that can improve symptoms related to depression including sadness, anxiety, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness.

The physiological mechanisms that may be at work is an increase in levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. In addition, exercise may boost endorphins, release tension in muscles, diminish sleep abnormalities, reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even increase body temperature, which has calming effects.