We spoke to our friends at the Black Dog Institute about their work and research, and asked them for some information and advice we could pass on to you. Here’s the great information they supplied.
Research suggests that regular exercise may increase the level of brain serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, sleep, libido, appetite and other functions. Problems in the serotonin pathways of the brain have been linked to depression.
Exercise can also increase the level of endorphins in the brain which have ‘mood-lifting’ properties.
Before you go on, ever wondered what ‘depression’ actually means? Find out here.
OK, so how does exercise actually help?
What evidence is there about the link between exercise and mood?
Several trials have shown that regular exercise of moderate intensity can be an effective adjunctive treatment by itself for both melancholic and non-melancholic depression.
In addition to being helpful for managing depression, regular exercise has numerous physical health benefits. These benefits include prevention of numerous (including life threatening) medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, strokes and certain types of cancers.
At least one study has shown that exercising at around the optimal level for 12 weeks can significantly reduce symptoms of depression amongst people who are inactive and experiencing non-melancholic depression.
For people who are very inactive, health benefits can be gained by becoming slightly more active. A little activity is better than none at all and more is better than a little.
For extra health and fitness, it is recommended that adults (who are able) should also participate in vigorous activity that makes them ‘huff and puff’ (e.g. jogging, squash, rowing).
For best results, vigorous exercise should be done for 30 minutes or more on three to four days per week (on top of moderate exercise).
Thanks to our friends at the Black Dog Institute for the information. You can find out more about them via this great short video, and there’s even more on their website, or you can join them on Facebook or Twitter.
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Get out into the Parklands and exercise your mood!
We’re excited to let you know that “Centennial Park Honey” – our very own raw, unheated and delicious honey – is now ready for you to enjoy at home everyday!