The benefits of regular exercise can’t be overstated. Exercise can decrease your risk for cancer and heart disease. It can also strengthen your immune system and lower your risk of infections. Exercise is especially important if you have major depressive disorder (MDD).

MDD, or clinical depression, is a common illness. Roughly 16 million adults in the U.S. have a major depressive episode annually, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Symptoms of depression vary for everyone, but typically include:

  • persistent sadness
  • anxiety
  • poor concentration
  • change in appetite
  • feelings of hopelessness
  • low self-esteem

Antidepressants, counseling, and other therapies are effective treatments, but it’s also important to make lifestyle changes.

Starting an exercise routine can have a tremendous positive effect on mental health. Of course, it’s difficult to begin a workout routine when you’re feeling down. Even so, if you take baby steps with simple activities and gradually increase your intensity, you may notice an improvement in your condition.

Here are a few benefits of exercise for MDD:

Exercise is often coined a “natural antidepressant” because of its ability to increase the production of certain brain chemicals.

When you engage in physical activity, your brain responds by increasing the production of endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that help reduce pain. They also trigger a happier mood and help you cope with stress. So the more you exercise, the higher your level of endorphins.

Regular physical activity can also stimulate your brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin. These are neurotransmitters that affect mood. Low levels of these chemicals are linked to depression and anxiety. You can raise your levels with small amounts of activity.

  • 31% said it was finding resources and support groups.
  • 27% said it was finding balance in their everyday life.
  • 17% said it was managing depressive episodes.
  • 11% said it was feeling alone in their MDD.

Note: Percentages are based on data from Google searches related to MDD.

Here are some resources you may find helpful:










  • 31% said it was finding resources and support groups.
  • 27% said it was balancing their everyday life.
  • 14% said it was knowing if their medication was working.
  • 11% said it was feeling alone in their MDD.

Note: Percentages are based on data from Google searches related to MDD.

Here are some resources you may find helpful:

  • 31% said it was finding resources and support groups.
  • 17% said it was managing depressive episodes.
  • 14% said it was knowing if their medication was working.
  • 11% said it was feeling alone in their MDD.

Note: Percentages are based on data from Google searches related to MDD.

Here are some resources you may find helpful:

  • 27% said it was finding balance in their everyday life.
  • 17% said it was managing depressive episodes.
  • 14% said it was knowing if their medication was working.
  • 11% said it was feeling alone in their MDD.

Note: Percentages are based on data from Google searches related to MDD.

Here are some resources you may find helpful:










  • 31% said it was finding resources and support groups.
  • 27% said it was finding balance in their everyday life.
  • 17% said it was managing depressive episodes.
  • 14% said it was knowing if their medication was working.

Note: Percentages are based on data from Google searches related to MDD.

Here are some resources you may find helpful:








Regular exercise also helps with anxiety. Exercise not only produces higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, but also triggers a physiological response similar to anxiety.

Anxiety can bring about an elevated heart rate, sweating, and heavy breathing. Exercise induces an almost identical response. On that account, regular exercise can teach your body how to manage stressful situations.

If left uncontrolled, the aforementioned response caused by anxiety can trigger a panic attack. But when your body is used to this response as a result of regular physical activity, it starts to associate this response with safety and not danger, according to the American Psychological Association. As a result, it’ll be easier to remain calm during a stressful event.

If you have MDD, you may obsess over every negative aspect of your life. This includes overthinking yesterday’s mistakes and worrying about problems that may never happen.

Your brain only has the ability to focus on one thought at a time. If you’re feeling down and need to refocus your thoughts, exercise can reverse a negative mood and take your mind off your problems. You’ll feel relaxed and recharged after a workout session.

Beginning an exercise routine can change your mental outlook, but this isn’t the only thing it changes. Exercise also causes physical changes to your body. Activity can help you lose excess weight, build muscle tone, and improve your overall physical appearance. And whether you realize it or not, these changes to your body can have a powerful impact on your mental health. Improving your self-image helps you feel stronger and more confident, and raises your self-esteem.

Starting an exercise plan doesn’t require a lot of time. Contrary to what you may think, using exercise as a natural antidepressant doesn’t involve hours of physical activity each day. It only takes a small amount of activity to notice a difference in your mindset and attitude.

If you haven’t worked out in a while, begin slowly to avoid injury. Start with 10 minutes a day and gradually work up to 30 minutes of activity each day or at least five days a week. Effective exercises include walking, jogging, biking, swimming, aerobics, or sports.

Here are few simple tips to get moving with MDD:

1. Break up workouts into 10-minute sessions

If you don’t have time to work out continuously for 30 minutes a day, exercise in 10-minute blocks three times a day. Spend 10 minutes on activity in the morning before work, walk for 10 minutes on your lunch break, and then exercise for 10 minutes after dinner.

2. Get an exercise buddy

Working out with a friend or relative is effective because you become accountable to another person. An exercise buddy can motivate you to stick with a regular routine. Together, you can encourage each other.

3. Find fun activities

There’s no rule that says you have to take an aerobics class to lose weight or improve your mental health. As long as you’re burning calories and you’re active, you’re on the right track. So if following along with a workout video doesn’t appeal, spend your 30 minutes sweating to a fun activity. This way, exercise doesn’t feel like a chore.

Exercise can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Regardless of whether you’re on antidepressants or using other therapy for MDD, never downplay the importance of regular physical activity. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.