Just because you are suffering from depression doesn’t mean that you should start popping antidepressants in your mouth. Like most other medications out there, the intake of antidepressants comes with side effects and risk. The good news is there are plenty of remedies for depression aside from the pharmacological approach, and exercising on a regular basis is just one of those.

So if most of the time you feel down, keep on reading — below you will come across some exercises that are proven beneficial for individuals suffering from depression, according to scientists.

Walking

Health authorities say that walking is the ultimate form of exercise. It’s suited for people of all ages and fitness levels because it is easy on the joints and it’s great for the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system.

Because walking is really easy to do, it doesn’t take a lot of convincing for a depressed individual to engage in it for at least 20 minutes each time — one of the issues bugging depressed individuals is the absence of interest in everyday activities.

Especially if walking is done outdoors and under the sun, the depression-busting perks increase as vitamin D the sun provides helps lift the mood. Just remember to avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm!

Hiking

Not really a fan of walking around the block or on a treadmill? Then there’s a form of exercise that you may go for that will surely keep you from being bored while engaging in it to beat depression, and that’s none other than hiking.

What’s so fantastic about hiking is that it combines a couple of things that are great for one’s mental health: long walks and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Based on numerous scientific investigations, immersing in nature is good not only for reducing depression but also alleviating anxiety. Besides, regularly taking a hike allows you to see that the world is too beautiful for you to lock yourself in your bedroom.

Running

Every heard of what’s referred to as a runner’s high? Just like what the name suggests, a runner’s high is that euphoric feeling that runners tend to experience after running hard for long periods of time.

Scientists believe that it’s brought about by the release of natural chemicals in the brain that helps lift the mood. Also, a runner’s high tends to cause a significant reduction in physical pain, anxiety and of course depression.

Clearly, running is more challenging than just walking. But for depressed individuals who are willing to have enough will power, they won’t regret devoting some of their time and energy to running just to experience that runner’s high that every runner can’t stop talking about.

Yoga

Just because exercising is recommended by mental health experts doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to engage in physical activities that can leave you panting and breathless. The truth is even a non-intense form of exercise such as yoga is good for beating depression.

The fact is yoga is a combination of two things that depressed individuals can tremendously benefit from: exercise and meditation. This is why doing yoga on a regular basis is also good for people with anxiety.

Nowadays, you can simply play yoga video clips for beginners and follow them to get started. However, it is a wonderful idea for you to attend local yoga classes as being surrounded by people actually has depression-busting perks, too.

Tai Chi

It’s no secret that there are so many powerful all-natural remedies for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety that’s offered by traditional Chinese healing. Some examples include herbal teas, acupuncture and acupressure.

Did you know that there’s another solution from China that you may also give a try if you are bugged by depression? It’s called tai chi, an ancient form of exercise and meditation that offers an assortment of health perks.

Just like yoga, tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that’s perfect for anyone who is not a fan of routines that leave them tired afterwards. According to experts, one of the reasons why tai chi helps beat depression is that it is usually done in a group setting.