Did you know there is a report called the World Happiness Report that measures and analyses how global happiness changes over time based on data stretching back to 2005?

Sadly, the latest report reveals that people are feeling worse with increasing tensions and negative feelings and emotions rising around the world. It seems, as a global society, we are riding a tide of unhappiness as worry, sadness, anxiety, and anger are on the rise.

All this unhappiness and internal struggle, if not tended to, can eventually lead to a more serious condition, that of depression.

Depression –

Depression is a mood disorder that affects how we feel, think and behave. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical issues, causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in life.

As one of the world’s most common health conditions, it is a leading global disability and the second largest killer after heart disease. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men experience an episode of depression by the time they reach 65.

People who are depressed may not always show obvious signs like frequent crying or a constant frown, making then difficult to identify. However, the internal struggle persists, gradually eroding their interest in life as the symptoms of depression slowly take over.

Some common signs of depression include changes in eating and sleeping habits, such as eating or sleeping too much or too little. This can be accompanied by a persistent lack of energy and a sense of numbness, where nothing seems to matter. Mental symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, irritability, worry, fear, and even thoughts of self-harm are also indicative of a depressive state.

While there are more medical treatments for depression than ever before, the number of people affected by it continues to grow. This is largely because medications, like antidepressants—the most commonly prescribed treatment—do not address the root cause of the condition. They often provide only temporary relief by managing the symptoms, acting as a band-aid rather than a cure.

The one thing that is empowered to change us permanently – emotionally, mentally and physically is activity/movement because humans were created to move.

Our bodies were never designed for the sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, under-exercised, frenzied pace of the twenty-first century.

Sedentary Lifestyle –

Living a sedentary lifestyle, one void of prope movement/exercise has proven to be a quick ticket to the grave.

Thankfully, informed people are getting smarter and putting two and two together – linking the importance of physical activity and mental health.

The Value of Physical Activity –

According to Dr. Ben Singh, leading author of one study on sedentary lifestyles, activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing symptoms of depression, psychological stress and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy.

He states, “while the value of physical activity for people with depressionvand anxiety is widely recognized, it is not considered for managing suchvconditions as often as the study asserts it should be. Physical activityvmust be prioritized to better manage the growing cases of mental health conditions.”

The truth is exercise is the most potent and under-utilised antidepressant offering both short-term and long-term benefits that positively impact our mental health, without any accompanying negative side effects.

In the short-term, endorphins and dopamine are released in the brain immediately after exercising. Both hormones help boost mood and buffervstress. In the long term the release of neurotransmitters in the brain in response to exercise help increase mood and cognition while decreasing inflammation and boosting immune function.

Endorphin levels, our feel-good hormones, see a whopping increase of morebthan 60 percent after exercising leaving us feeling rejuvenated and even euphoric, helping to keep our minds trouble free.hinExercise has been routinely known to provide important benefits such as increasing cardiovascular (heart/lung) health, lowering blood pressure, keeping bones strong, and improving muscle tone and strength. Body fat gets reduced while energy gets a boost.

But the benefits of exercise don’t stop at the physical level. Exercise offers psychological benefits as well such as increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

It lifts moods, reduces anxiety levels, increases the ability to handle stress and improves sleep patterns. And let’s face it, a good night’s sleep goes a long way towards a successful day.

In the end, we are one person, whose bodily systems of body, mind and emotions operate as one. What affects one area will also impact another.

Science has proven that there is an incredible connection between our physical actions and our mental health and “what we do in the way of physical activity does have a significant impact on how we feel.”

= In addition – 

In addition to exercise, diet and social connections play key roles in mental health. A diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s can lower depression risk, while processed foods may worsen mood. Proper nutrition supports brain function and reduces inflammation, crucial for managing mental health.

Social connections provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which can combat feelings of isolation. Engaging in activities with others, like walking with a friend, combines physical and emotional benefits.

Healthy coping mechanisms like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga also help reduce stress. When combined with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and social support, these practices offer a holistic approach to managing depression and promoting overall well-being.

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