It is not the first time that science claims that physical exercise is one of the best options we can do to prevent depression, thanks to the natural production of endorphins. In the search to continue defending this benefit, a recent study carried out by the Massachusetts General Hospital wanted to know how many minutes are necessary to reduce the appearance of this disease.
35 minutes of physical exercise would be necessary
The researchers concluded that just thirty-five minutes of physical activity a day (intensity or moderate) may be enough to significantly reduce the likelihood of depression. Best of all, the benefits can be enjoyed even by those with a genetic predisposition to this disease. There are people who have genes that can lead them down that path without realizing it; and although it is thought that being in the DNA we cannot avoid it, this research shows that it can be done with the help of physical exercise.
The study involved 8.000 people who shared their personal data, what their lifestyle is like, whether they practiced sports or not, and their medical histories. When they compared all the data collected, they found that people who have a genetic predisposition to depression were more likely to be diagnosed within two years. In contrast, people who had these genes but who reported being active and exercising were less likely to have it.
Is there a perfect physical exercise to avoid depression?
Staying active is essential, no matter how much physical exercise you do. We could say that they are all good. Go for a walk, run, ride a bike, do HIIT workouts or go to classes yoga. The study highlights that for each 4 hours of activity per week, we can reduce up to 17% the risk of depression.
Actually, the purpose of this research was to show that physical exercise and having an active life works to prevent episodes of depression. In addition, it has been corroborated that the fact of being more predisposed to suffer from it does not imply that we cannot avoid it. However, it is important to have the opinion of a mental health professional.